March 20, 2026 / Grade: C
12:00 PM Update — Grade C
Visibility: 10–13 ft
The 4 ft pilings on the right side of the frame are moderately visible with some surface texture discernible, including what appears to be marine growth (algae/mussels), though they are not razor-sharp. The 11 ft pilings are identifiable as the large dark vertical structures dominating the mid-frame, but they appear hazy and lose definition quickly — structural detail is limited rather than crisp. No third distinct piling set at 14 ft is clearly identifiable beyond the 11 ft pilings; the background fades into a diffuse teal-green haze with no distinguishable third tier of structure. The water color is a characteristic greenish-teal rather than deep blue, indicating moderate turbidity and likely elevated particulate or plankton content. A lone elongated fish (possibly a needlefish or similar species) is visible near the mid-frame, suggesting some open water clarity but not exceptional range. Overall, only four piling tiers can be confidently identified, placing this firmly in Grade C territory per the counting rule.
The greenish-teal water color is consistent with elevated phytoplankton or suspended sediment typical of nearshore conditions at Scripps Pier. Light penetration appears reasonable from the surface glow, but horizontal visibility is constrained by particulate scatter rather than complete turbidity, suggesting moderate biological productivity or recent mixing. These conditions are common during periods of upwelling-influenced nearshore water or mild surge that resuspends fine bottom sediment.
Conditions are marginal for recreational diving — navigable under the pier but with limited horizontal range. Visibility may improve slightly during slack tidal periods or in the early morning before thermal stratification breaks down and particulates are stirred; checking conditions again later in the day or the following morning would be worthwhile.
• Wind: 7.0 mph
• Cloud Cover: 0%
• Water Temp: 68.2°F
• Chlorophyll: 0.37 mg/m³ (GREEN)
• Swell: 1.0 ft @ 13.0 sec from NW (280°) — favorable
• Tide: Falling
• Community Report: No report
🎥 Live Camera: https://coollab.ucsd.edu/pierviz/
