Wave-Buoy Validation – 3 to 5 Day Forecast

Here we examine the set of WAVEWATCH III wave height forecasts from 3 to 5 days out (blue), compared to the measured significant wave heights from the NDBC buoy (black).  For this period of time the model consistently underestimates the April 12th peak of the wave heights.  Nevertheless this is classified as a very good forecast, as more than 80% of the wave height forecasts were within one foot (0.35 m) of the actual buoy height.