New Tool To Measure Waves

With Devils Lake at all time high levels so are the waves that crash on the shore and on the roads. They can average 3 or 4 feet high at times.

Mike Lukes / National Weather Service. "That's not to say, if we do get the really strong wind events we could get maybe 6 to 8 foot wave."

Mike Lukes of the national weather service helped install an online forecast that can help monitor and predict two days in advance of when the white caps hit. The forecast takes into account things like wind speed, water and air temperature.

Mike Lukes: National Wx Service: "Now that applies those meteorological parameters to the shape of the lake."

The calculations are plotted on maps which indicate wind direction and how high the waves are on different parts of the lake. The service will also be available on Red Lake and lake of the woods. Its main purpose is to help the Government track waves and debris on roads on Devils Lake.

Mike Lukes / National Wx Service: "Incidently it is good for fisherman or recreational boaters. And people who are interested or concerned about any erosion on the lake shore."

Lukes says they will continue to build on the wave forecast service. For example next month the resolution of the maps will increase by 4 times.

Tags: wave forecast