King tides are extremely high tides that happen during new and full moons. They can cause flooding and strong currents, and the National Weather Service and Coast Guard warn that sneaker waves can be deadly. Sneaker waves are large waves that can unexpectedly surge up the beach, causing dangerous conditions. The term was borrowed from Australia and helped launch a campaign on the American west coast in the mid-2000s to monitor the highest tides of the year to track sea level rise.
The King Tides Project is looking to document the effect that extreme tide events have on our state’s beaches, coastal waterways, private property, and public infrastructure. Photographs of these tides help to visualize and understand the impacts of sea level rise such as flooding and erosion. The effect of individual King Tides may vary considerably. In some cases, they may barely even be noticed.
In other cases, a King Tide may cause coastal erosion, flooding of low-lying areas, and disruption to normal daily routines. This is particularly true when a King Tide event coincides with significant precipitation or storm surge, creating even higher water levels. Over time, the frequency and effect of King Tide events may increase due to sea level rise.
Sea level is predicted to rise over the next century. Several areas of the Oregon coast are already vulnerable to high water levels because of their low elevations and proximity to the shoreline. Rising sea levels means increased erosion and more frequent and expanded flooding in the future. An infrequent event today could become normal in the future.
Understanding and documenting the extent and impacts of especially high tide events is one way to highlight the need to prepare for the effects of future climate conditions. The King Tides Project generates information that coastal communities can use to reduce vulnerabilities to rising sea levels.
The King Tide project is inviting citizens to participate in the project by taking pictures of areas impacted by king tides and sharing your photos. These photos help guide sea level rise modeling and mapping, give meaning to data and charts, and educate others about how the Oregon coast is experiencing the impacts of climate change.
Here are some tips for staying safe during king tides:
Stay on designated paths and walkways
Never turn your back to the ocean
Avoid walking on the beach or near the water's edge
Watch from a safe distance, like from a higher vantage point
Check tide schedules and weather forecasts
Some good places to watch the king tides include:
Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area
Otter Rock
Depoe Bay
Seal Rock
The rock wall at the Nye Beach turnaround
The turnout on Old Highway 101, above Agate Beach State Park
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