.PNG) Ava near peak intensity on June 6 | |
| Meteorological history | |
|---|---|
| Formed | June 2, 1973 |
| Dissipated | June 12, 1973 |
| Category 5 major hurricane | |
| 1-minute sustained (SSHWS/NWS) | |
| Highest winds | 160 mph (260 km/h) |
| Lowest pressure | 915 mbar (hPa); 27.02 inHg |
| Overall effects | |
| Fatalities | None |
| Damage | None |
| Areas affected | California |
| IBTrACS | |
Part of the 1973 Pacific hurricane season | |
Hurricane Ava was the earliest forming Category 5 hurricane on record in the East Pacific basin. The storm is also tied with 2006's Hurricane Ioke as the fifth-strongest Pacific hurricane on record. It was the first named storm of the 1973 Pacific hurricane season. Forming in early June, Hurricane Ava eventually reached Category 5 intensity on the Saffir–Simpson hurricane scale, the first Pacific hurricane to do so in June and the earliest ever in a season. Its central pressure made it the most intense known Pacific hurricane at the time. Despite its intensity, Ava stayed at sea without significant impact.
Ava was given the most advanced measurement and reconnaissance available at the time. Recon flights were conducted and meteorological equipment was tested. The hurricane was also photographed from space by satellites and Skylab astronauts.