Every winter, tides on the Oregon Coast get higher than other times of the year.
They occur when the Moon's orbit is closest to the Earth, the Earth's orbit is closest to the Sun, and the Sun, Moon, and Earth are in alignment. This alignment increases their gravitational pull, which affects the tides. The official term is perigean spring tides, otherwise known as King Tides.
These tides are quite the sight to see and bring visitors to the coastline to photograph, view, and bask in the amazing power of the ocean, according to the Explore Lincoln City website. During a few days in November, December and January, you will be able to witness the three highest tide sequences of the year.
DANGER
These events can cause flooding, erosion, and impacts to buildings and roads, especially during storms.
During King Tides and severe storms, beach accesses can be closed, and for good reason. The water can approach out of nowhere, a phenomenon known as sneaker waves.
The US Coast Guard warns that sneaker waves are one of the largest weather threats to those on the beach and the deadliest natural hazard on the West Coast.
Typically, there is a period of calm that results in people relaxing their awareness and oftentimes results in beachgoers caught off guard and swept off their feet, sometimes into the ocean. During these dangerous conditions, large pieces of driftwood and other objects are effortlessly rolled, which can put both individuals and rescue teams in danger.
Protect yourself, your family, pets, and even your car by avoiding low-lying coastal areas and obeying beach access closures.
THE KING TIDES PROJECT
The first series of King Tides is November 15 to 17. Upcoming winter King Tides will take place December 13 to 15, and January 11 to 13, 2025.
If you are on Oregon's coast, you are invited to take photos of these high-water events to help document their impact on coastal communities. The Oregon King Tides Photo Project, part of a global effort to track sea level changes, encourages anyone with a camera to join in and capture a preview of how rising sea levels might affect our communities in the future.
To participation and before snapping a photo, choose a safe location along the coast when the tide is at its highest point. Always keep an eye on the ocean. Never put yourself in danger. Be very cautious of rising water, eroding shorelines, flooded roadways, and high winds during any extreme high tide events. Never put yourself in danger.
Capture the high-water levels around fixed features like pilings, seawalls, or bridge supports, as they help show how high the tide reaches. Include the location, date, and direction of your photo. If possible, take a second photo from the same spot during a normal high tide for comparison. Tide tables and photo tips are available on the King Tides website: www.oregonkingtides.net.
HISTORY
For the past 14 years, Oregon has contributed to this international citizen science effort. Supported by the Oregon Coastal Management Program (OCMP), the CoastWatch Program of the Oregon Shores Conservation Coalition, and partners like the Oregon Coast Visitors Association and Oregon Sea Grant, this project is managed by OCMP in collaboration with coastal local governments, state and federal agencies, and other interested parties to manage, conserve, and develop Oregon's coastal and ocean resources.
"By observing King Tides, we glimpse future sea level rise and its potential to intensify erosion, flooding, and beach access issues," Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development Communications and Engagement Manager Sadie Carney said. "Even a small rise in sea levels could make winter storms worse and make our beaches smaller and harder to access. Seeing king tide photos can help planners, resource agencies, conservationists, and coastal citizens get ready for these changes."