A tidal bore curves across the wide river in a long pale line of breaking water. The surface ahead stays relatively smooth, while closely packed ripples and foam spread behind the crest. Its diagonal sweep leads from the near bank toward a distant bend between the marsh grasses.

Low reeds and flat fields keep the horizon open beneath the layered gray clouds. A narrow band of warmer evening light touches the water farther away without hiding its brown color. The raised bank viewpoint shows the contrast between the two surfaces clearly, with dark damp grass in the foreground grounding the broad river scene.