The next round of winter king tides starts in the Strait of Juan de Fuca on Tuesday Jan. 8, 2013. The state Department of Ecology (Ecology) is inviting the public to share their photos when these higher-than-usual winter tides occur again in January.
King tides give us a glimpse about how potential rising sea levels from global climate change could affect Washington's marine shoreline areas by intensifying coastal flooding, shifting marine beaches inland, increasing coastal bluff erosion and endangering houses and other structures built near the shore.
The dates for January's king tides vary slightly depending on location:
- In the Strait of Juan de Fuca, king tides will occur Jan. 8-13.
- Along Washington's outer coast, they occur Jan. 10-12.
- The Puget Sound dates for king tides are Jan. 14-17.
Follow these steps to participate:
- Use Ecology's king tide map and schedule to find when and where the highest tides will occur. Go to www.ecy.wa.gov/climatechange/ipa_hightide_map.htm.
- Locate a public beach by checking out Ecology's Coastal Atlas at fortress.wa.gov/ecy/coastalatlas/.
- Take photos during a king tide, preferably where the high water levels can be gauged against familiar landmarks such as sea walls, jetties, bridge supports or buildings.
- Note the date, time and location of your photo - then upload your images on the Washington King Tide Photo Initiative Flickr Group at http:www.flickr.com/groups/1611274@N22/.
- Play it safe! While the winter king tides occur during daylight hours, don't venture out during severe weather and keep a close eye on rising water levels.
Ecology has collected nearly 600 king tide photos from the public.