Puget Sound Tide Model

Predictions by 
J. W. Lavelle and H. O. Mofjeld
(Inteface by D. Finlayson) 

WARNING: The tide predictions generated by the Puget Sound Tide Channel Model are not appropriate for navigation. Official tide predictions for Puget Sound are available from the National Ocean Service ( http://co-ops.nos.noaa.gov/ ).


Tide Prediction

The Puget Sound Tide Channel Model (PSTCM) is a research tool for studying the tides of the Sound. It was developed by Lavelle et al. (1988) at NOAA PMEL and subsequently updated by H. Mofjeld to include the full suite of standard tidal constituents. The PSTCM offers high resolution predictions for almost every bay and channel in Puget Sound. We believe that the model is accurate and useful for coastal researchers, though as with any research tool, we cannot guarantee the model is free of errors. In particular, the version of the model accessible on this web site is my own translation (David Finlayson) and may have errors not found in the original code. More information about the design and operation of the model can be found in the reports referenced below. 

The stand-alone Python (command-line only) version of the model is available here:

pstide.zip (968 Kb)

See the included README file for installation instructions. This code should work on all modern installations of Python. However, it has only been tested on Linux, AIX and Windows.

Channel Segment Locations

Tide predictions are made at one of 589 channel segments. I have put together a map of all of the segments in PDF format:

segment_map.pdf (183 Kb)

References

Lavelle, J. W., H. O. Mofjeld, et al. (1988). A multiply-connected channel model of tides and tidal currents in Puget Sound, Washington and a comparison with updated observations. Seattle, WA, Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory: 103.

Mofjeld, H. O. and L. H. Larsen (1984). Tides and tidal currents of the inland waters of western Washington. Seattle, Washington, Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory: 51.

Mofjeld, H. O., A. J. Venturato, et al. (2002). Tidal datum distributions in Puget Sound, Washington, based on a tide model. Seattle, WA, NOAA/Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory: 39.