The annual winter high tides – called king tides – resume Friday.
In Oregon, king tides occur three months in the winter and three times during the summer when the Earth, moon and sun align to produce the highest tides of the year – ranging from 8-9 feet on the central Oregon coast. These tides are 2-3 feet higher than tides during the quieter summer months.
The dates for the first three king tide sequences this season are Friday through Sunday, Nov. 5-7 when highest tides will be from noon to 12:30 p.m. The two other sequences are Dec. 3-5, and Jan. 1-3.
The series of high tides also coincides with the Oregon King Tides Project, a citizen-science effort, organized by CoastWatch and the Oregon Coastal Management Program. The project creates a time-lapse glimpse of how rising sea levels are affecting coastlines around the world.
“What this project helps document, among other things, is where King Tides are landing and having the greatest impact,” said Tara DuBois, Cape Perpetua Collaborative communications director. “Over time, people will be able to look back and actually see the progress of sea level rise.”
On Saturday, Nov. 6, people can tune in “King Tides in Your Neighborhood” an interactive seminar featuring presentations on sites in and near Cape Perpetua.