The Columbia Bar is a bar at the mouth of the Columbia River between the U.S. states of Oregon and Washington. The river's current often dissipates into the Pacific Ocean as large, standing waves, partially caused by the deposition of sediment as the river slows. These standing waves are usually mixed with ocean waves and wreak havoc with vessels of all sizes. The Columbia current varies from 4 to 7 knots westward and therefore into the predominantly westerly winds and ocean swells, creating significant surface conditions.[1][2] Unlike other major rivers, the current is focused "like a firehose" without the benefit of a river delta.[3] Conditions can change from calm and serene to life-threatening breaking waves in as little as five minutes due to changes of direction of wind and ocean swell.citation needed Since 1792, approximately 2,000 large ships have sunk in and around the Columbia Bar.
The nearby United States Coast Guard station at Cape Disappointment, Washington is renowned for operating in some of the roughest sea conditions in the world and is also home to the National Motor Lifeboat School. It is the only school for rough weather and surf rescue operation in the United States and is respected internationally as a center of excellence for heavy boat operations. [4]
Approximately 16 bar pilots, earning about $180,000/year, guide ships across the bar, often approaching the ships by helicopter.[5] They generally consider "the bar" to be the area between the north and south jetties and Sand Island.
As a practical tip, small craft are advised to cross the bar during times of incoming flood tide, staying toward the outside of the navigational channel to avoid the frequent large ships which move at 20 to 30 knots.
