King Tides Happy Hour

King tide aftermath at Cannon Beach.\Photo by Pooka Rice.

CoastWatch Program Manager Jesse Jones will be joined by two representatives from The Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) for this final king tides event of the season, kicking of the last set of king tides, January 20-22. Jesse will share information about the science behind these annual tides; show where photos have been taken around the Cannon Beach community and point out where photos are still needed. Sea Level Rise Adaptation Fellow, Carl Hendrickson, will give a brief update on upcoming public workshops in Clatsop County focused on engaging community members in sea level rise adaptation planning. Coastal Outreach Fellow, Elissa Connolly-Randazzo, will share information about the ecology and history of Oregon’s unique beaches and dunes. This event will take place at Cannon Beach’s Tolovana Hall (3779 S Hemlock St., Tolovana Park), this Friday, Jan 20, at 5:30 pm.

“King tides" are the highest tides of the year. Documenting them can provide insight into what sea level rise will look like in our communities. For 13 years, CoastWatch and the Oregon Coastal Management Program have co-coordinated the Oregon King Tides Project, which asks the public to take photos near the peak of tide on these days. Priorities for documentation include areas experiencing limited beach access due to high water; photo points taken at the same location and perspective as previous King Tides photos; areas experiencing cliff and bluff erosion from high water; and impacts to natural features (dunes, beaches) as well as hard infrastructure.

Incentives to participate in this project are offered through a contest in partnership with the Oregon Coast Visitors Association. Jesse will present a slideshow but will also bring a traveling exhibit with maps, comparison photos and more.