A simple model equation for western boundary outflow in the Stommel model of the large scale ocean circulation is obtained by evaluating the potential vorticity equation at the western boundary. A series solution to this model equation demonstrates similar behavior to the boundary layer solution of the potential vorticity equation, in particular that “resonances” are present at a discrete series of parameter values which necessitate the addition of logarithms to the series; these resonances occur because the model equation has a logarithmic branch point at these val