Weather...

Tides and Currents

Tomales Bay is shallow and low rides can reveal mudflats not seen during high tides. The change between low tide and high tide sometimes creates strong currents which can be hazardous to even experienced boaters. The mouth of Tomales Bay is especially dangerous with high swells. High tides can also trap unsuspecting hikers against the cliffs especially when exploring the beach areas. Check for tides before your trip begins. Boaters need to wear personal flotation devices while on the water.

Winds can pick up in the afternoon on the bay giving boaters little or no warning and making return trips difficult. Tomales Bay can act a as a wind tunnel with prevailing winds coming from the north, northwest.

The website http://www.iwindsurf.com provides maintains a wind sensor at Miller County Park on the east side of Tomales Bay.

Weather can also be checked at the NOAA website http://www.noaa.gov

Tide information can be obtained by calling park visitor centers:
Bear Valley Visitor Center (415) 464-5137
Tomales Bay State Park (415) 669-1140

FOR EMERGENCIES ON TOMALES BAY — CALL 911 Marin County Sheriff or US COAST GUARD STATION BODEGA BAY ON VHF CHANNEL 16

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Hypothermia (Exposure)

The weather at Point Reyes can be unpredictable. Weather changes quickly and cool fogs and winds can spring up on sunny afternoons. Also, spending long periods of time in cold waters. (Average temperatures 55F for the local ocean and 65F for Tomales Bay!) can bring on hypothermia, a condition where body temperatures are lowered followed by rapid and progressive mental and physical collapse. Older visitors and those with circulatory or cardiovascular diseases are more susceptible to hypothermia. Alcohol can also hasten the onset of hypothermia. When you get wet, your body can cool rapidly as moisture evaporates in a breeze.

Be prepared by wearing layered clothing. Wear a hat and gloves to conserve vital body heat. Put on rain gear before you get wet. Surfers and swimmers can wear wet suits or get out of the water soon as possible. Stay dry, out of the wind, and avoid getting chilled.

Signs of hypothermia include:

Uncontrolled shivering
Slurred speech
Exhaustion
Memory lapse, drowsiness
Immobile fumbling hands

Persistent or violent shivering is a serious warning that of the onset of hypothermia. Note that victims of hypothermia often deny that they are cold and often attempt to reassure others that they are "Okay". Hypothermia is often associated with cold weather but can also creep up on sunny days at the beach. First aid for hypothermia is:

Get out of wind and rain or cold water and move to a warm place.

Remove wet clothing and get into dry clothing and a dry sleeping bag or blankets if possible.

Sip warm drinks but never drink or give alcoholic beverages.

Apply other heat sources, chemical heat packs, hot water bottles.

Seek help from park rangers and at park visitor centers.

Hypothermia can be life threatening! Do not hesitate to contact help from rangers or call an ambulance.

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