City of Whaler’s Bay, WA
A lake event is a recurring winter condition affecting Meydenbauer Bay and adjacent shoreline between approximately December 1 and the end of February. Lake events are characterized by bell sounds crossing still water, stationary lights at or near the waterline, and, less commonly, the appearance of an additional moored vessel.
Lake events are managed under an established city procedure. There has been no recorded injury associated with compliance.
If you observe a lake event
- Remain indoors and away from west-facing windows.
- Do not respond to signals, including bells, lights or voices. Response of any kind extends the duration of the event.
- Do not launch a vessel or enter the water. City float plans are suspended automatically during an event.
- Note the time the event began. Do not attempt to note the time it ends.
- Report the observation to the Parks Department non-emergency line on the next business day.
| Winter | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1919–20 | 11 nights | Initial register discrepancy. See harbor records. |
| 1923–24 | 6 nights | Incident report filed. Partially retained. |
| 1951–52 | 9 nights | Moorage restrictions adopted as annual practice. |
| 1978–79 | 4 nights | Channel 21 test pattern interruptions, unconfirmed. |
| 2004–05 | 13 nights | Berth 0 procedure last revised. |
Winters not listed produced no reportable observations.
About this listing
The city does not investigate the origin of lake events. Established procedure has proven sufficient. Questions may be directed to Emergency Preparedness; historical questions are handled by the City Clerk’s Office under the harbor-records retention schedule.
Contact
City of Whaler’s Bay
Phone: 425-555-0100
Email: info@whalersbay.gov
425 Meydenbauer Avenue NE, Whaler’s Bay, WA 98009
Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Last updated: February 2, 2026