April 15, 2026 / Grade: C
3:00 PM Update — Grade C
Visibility: 10–13 ft
The 4 ft pilings on the right side of the frame are visible with some surface detail and algae/growth texture discernible, though not razor sharp — moderate haze is present even at close range. The 11 ft pilings are visible as identifiable structures but carry noticeable haze and lack crisp definition, suggesting visibility is degraded at mid-range. The 14 ft pilings cannot be confirmed as a distinct third tier — only two piling sets are clearly identifiable, and per the counting rule the grade cannot exceed C+. The water is a characteristic greenish-teal color, consistent with moderate biological turbidity or suspended particulates rather than clear blue oceanic water. A loose school of small fish is visible in the mid-water column, which can be associated with plankton-rich, greener conditions. Overall clarity is moderate at best, with a soft diffuse quality to the light penetration. No third piling set is independently confirmed, so the grade is held at C.
The greenish teal water color strongly suggests elevated phytoplankton or suspended organic matter in the water column, which scatters light and reduces horizontal visibility. The soft, diffuse lighting and lack of blue water tone indicate coastal turbidity typical of nearshore upwelling or runoff influence rather than open-ocean clarity. Conditions appear typical of a mid-range coastal visibility day with biological haze rather than sediment-driven turbidity.
Conditions are marginal for diving — visibility of roughly 10–13 ft is functional but not ideal for photography or detailed reef exploration. If the tide continues dropping toward the predicted low in the early morning hours, visibility may improve slightly overnight, but current conditions suggest today is an average day at best for diving at Scripps.
• Wind: 11.0 mph
• Cloud Cover: 0%
• Water Temp: 68.0°F
• Chlorophyll: 0.37 mg/m³ (GREEN)
• Swell: 2.0 ft @ 8.0 sec from NW (285°) — favorable
• Tide: Unknown → next L at 02:23 (0.239 ft)
• Community Report: No report
12:00 PM Update — Grade C
Visibility: 10–13 ft
The 4 ft pilings on the right side of the frame are visible with some surface detail, including what appears to be encrusting marine growth, but they carry a moderate haze that softens their edges. The 11 ft pilings are discernible as darker vertical columns in the mid-frame but lack crisp structural definition — they are hazy and blending into the water column. No clearly identifiable third set of pilings consistent with the 14 ft tier can be confirmed; only two piling tiers can be independently located, and per the counting rule this caps the grade at C+ or lower. The water exhibits a characteristic blue-green teal tone with moderate particulate scatter visible throughout the water column. A small school of elongated fish (likely topsmelt or similar) is visible in the mid-water, which helps illustrate that mid-range visibility exists but is limited. Overall the scene lacks the depth clarity and contrast needed to confirm a third piling tier.
The blue-green teal coloration suggests a moderate phytoplankton or particulate load in the water column, which is consistent with reduced horizontal visibility in the 10–13 ft range. The scattered light pattern indicates mild surge and some suspended material but not extreme turbidity from storm runoff. The rising tide noted in sensor data may be gradually introducing offshore water or redistributing nearshore sediment, contributing to the soft haze visible throughout.
Conditions are marginal for recreational diving — visibility is workable for experienced divers familiar with the site but not ideal for photography or less experienced divers. A window around or just after the tide slack, if it brings clearer offshore water, might offer a brief improvement, but the rising tide toward a 5.3 ft high could further reduce clarity before improving.
• Wind: 12.7 mph
• Cloud Cover: 0%
• Water Temp: 68.0°F
• Chlorophyll: None mg/m³ (ERROR)
• Swell: 2.3 ft @ 8.0 sec from NW (285°) — favorable
• Tide: Rising → next H at 20:39 (5.312 ft)
• Community Report: No report
Visibility is currently around 25–40 ft, based on the latest Scripps Pier camera image.
Current Conditions
• Wind: 4.5 mph
• Cloud Cover: 0%
• Water Temp: 67.3°F
• Chlorophyll: 0.37 mg/m³ (GREEN)
• Swell: 2.3 ft @ 7.0 sec from NW (278°) — favorable
• Tide: Rising → next H at 20:39 (5.312 ft)
• Community Report: No report
Dive Grade: A
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