Charles and Margo Wood - Charlie\'s Charts North to Alaska

Il

In the larger channels of the Inside Passage the tidal streams follow the
generaI direction of the passages, with the flood streams generaIly setting in
from each end, meeting about the middle. The ebb streams run outwards in both
directions from this central point. Examples of these flows occur in Grenville
Channel, Graham Reach, and other similar passages.

Therefore it is important to consider the tidal currents, first, because
the major passes can only be safely traversed at or near slack water, and
second, because an adverse current running against one for long passages will
extend travelling time.

For the long fiord-like inlets with unobstrueted entrances the times of
high and low water oecur about the same time throughout the inlet. But if the
entrances are obstrueted and narrow then strong tidal currents result which
will affect the times and conditions of entry and exit. Examples of these are
Baker Inlet off Grenville Channel and Fords Terror off Endicott Arm.

A study of the tide books and attempts to fit the day's p!ans in step with
the currents wi!l be as beneficiaI to the voyage as thinking of the wind and
~eather general!y. For B.C. waters the offieial Canadian Tide and Current
Tables are:

• Volume 5 (green): Juan de Fuca and Georgia Straits


• Volume 6 (blue): Barkley Sound and Discovery Passage to Dixon Entranee

Or one may obtain the combined Vol. 5 and Vol. 6: Pacific Coast Edition which
covers alI B.C. waters discussed in this guide. They can be obtained for
$2.50 in Canada or $3 elsewhere from any Canadian chart dealer or by writing to
and enclosing payment in Canadian funds (certified check or money arder) to:

Canadian Hydrographic Service, Dept. of Fisheries and Oceans

Institute of Oeean Seiences, Patricia Bay

9860 West Saanich Road, P.O. Box 6000

Sidney, BC V8l 4B

For Alaskan waters the official tables are:

• Tide Tables, West Coast North and South America $6.


• Tidal Current Tables, Pacific Coast of North America and Asia - $5.
  These may be obtained from any US Chart dealer, or by writing and enelosing
  payment in U.S. funds by money order 0r certified check to:

Distribution Branch (N/CG 33)

National Ocean Service

Riverdale, MD 20737

Alternatively, one may also pick up the small, annually published tide tables

(Dots Fishing Guides) often given away at marine stores in Ketchikan, Sitka.

and Juneau. These are strictly tide tables with correetions for various loeai

points, and there is no information regarding current times or velocity.

However, most charts of the key passes include some comment as to the average

variation of maximum currents if different from slack water. At the very least

this booklet can help to determine reasonable times of passage.