March 7, 2026 / Grade: C

Visibility is currently around 8–10 ft, based on the latest Scripps Pier camera image.

The underwater view shows murky green water with significant turbidity. Only the nearest structure is clearly discernible — the 4 ft piling is visible as the prominent vertical structure on the right edge of the frame. The 11 ft marker and 14 ft marker are not visible, obscured by suspended particulate matter and heavy backscatter. The back pylon is slightly visible in the distance. The water color is a muted greenish-turquoise, indicating high biological activity or recent sediment suspension.

Environmental Factors: Today's marginal conditions appear driven by a combination of factors. The heavy green tint and turbidity suggest either a plankton bloom in the area or residual disturbance from recent swell activity. The diffuse lighting indicates significant particle backscatter, which is limiting horizontal visibility. These conditions are typical when coastal upwelling brings nutrient-rich water to the surface, fueling algae growth, or following storm swell that stirs up bottom sediment.

Conditional Forecast: If the plankton bloom subsides or local swell diminishes over the next 24 hours, conditions would likely improve into the 12–18 ft range. An incoming tide could also help flush clearer water through the area. For now, today earns a C rating — diveable for experienced divers familiar with the site, but visibility is limited.

Best Time to Dive: The optimal dive window would be during slack tide or on an incoming tide when clearer offshore water may move in. Morning conditions often improve before afternoon winds create additional surface chop and reduce underwater clarity further.

Estimated Visibility: 8–10 ft
Dive Grade: C
https://coollab.ucsd.edu/pierviz/