Updated, 5/24/25:
I know, we often in years past have complained about the Atwater Buoy, and how useful (or non-useful) it can be in predicting what nearshore surface water temperatures are going to be for us swimmers when we get to the beach. But it's always been nice to consult, to get a general idea of what to pack for a trip to the beach.
The Atwater Buoy is currently out there and active. If you want to know what surface water temperature it is sensing, text "45013" to 866.218.9973. But unlike in year's past, the Buoy's data is not being graphed and reported online (so the link on our webpage doesn't get you anyplace useful).
Maybe there is a better, and lower-cost method of collecting and reporting the data that has traditionally been collected by these buoys. But I've not heard that the federal government is going to replace the current buoy system, with some new-and-improved, and/or lower cost system. I think that would be a shame if the folks who use this information are no longer going to have access to it (or are going to have to subscribe to some private, for-profit service that will collect/report the information).
If you like me would like to see this NOAA buoy program continue, you may want to send an email to your federal elected officials (Senator Baldwin, Senator Johnson, and whomever your congress person is). I can't guaranty it is going to do any good, but I don't think it will do any harm. Maybe it is the case that our elected officials are simply unaware of how many people currently rely on this information, and want to see it continue to be available.
Looking forward to seeing folks as the season gets going again.
6 comments:
Buoy schmuoy.
Well she's out there now - reporting somewhat accurate data! Let's hope it stays - out avoiding capture by the Feds!!
or by Lake Huron!
Hmmm. When I clicked on the link on our home page to the Atwater buoy, the graph wasn't (and as I write this still isn't) reporting temp data. But Lt. MJ is right, if you go to the web address below, it does appear that the buoy is currnently active, and collecting/reporting data.
https://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/station_page.php?station=45013.
I have this recollection that a professor at UWM once told us that UWM or NOAA takes the buoy's raw temp data, and some how processes that to get rid of anomalies, before the data is graphed/reported. So maybe graphing will resume shortly, or maybe that processing and graphing is something that has gone by the wayside for now, due to staff or budget cuts.
Fun fact - you can text the numbers "45013" to 866-218-9973 and you will get a reply with buoy data to include, time, wind, air temp, water temp and wave height. Not perfect as the buoy is a mile out but a general idea of the conditions. It works early May through maybe October/November?? (depending on when they pull the buoy) It's a fun surprise at the beginning of the season to get a reply - I can't remember who in the group discovered this.
True. Reporting 45 degrees this sunny but chilly afternoon.
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