Question 1

Is NOAA station 9087023 the Ludington buoy?

Accepted Answer

No. NOAA CO-OPS 9087023 is the non-tidal Ludington harbor gauge. NDBC station 45024 is the offshore station named Ludington Buoy, MI.

Question 2

Does station 9087023 report water temperature?

Accepted Answer

The current NOAA sensor inventory for 9087023 does not list a water-temperature sensor. Check the provider and station ID before assigning a nearby temperature value to the harbor gauge.

Question 3

Does Ludington station 9087023 provide tide predictions?

Accepted Answer

No. NOAA marks the Great Lakes station as non-tidal. Its water level must not be described as an astronomical high tide, low tide or slack-current prediction.

Question 4

What should I compare for Ludington marine conditions?

Accepted Answer

Compare the latest time-stamped harbor observations, offshore buoy observations, official weather forecast, shoreline exposure and access for the exact water you plan to visit.

Question 5

Can one Ludington observation describe all of Lake Michigan?

Accepted Answer

No. Harbor and offshore instruments represent specific locations and times. Conditions can differ across the lake and along the shoreline.