The City is seeking community assistance with photo-documenting water levels on Arcata Bay and in local creeks and streams during the King Tide events occurring Monday, January 11 and Tuesday, January 12.
King Tide events show projections of what “normal” tide levels could look like in the future as a result of sea level rise, and a visual record of King Tide events from year to year provides valuable data used by City staff when planning for sea level rise.
On Monday, January 11 at 10:18 AM and Tuesday, January 12 at 11:08 AM, all community members are invited to observe and photograph the highest tides at key locations of interest throughout Arcata. A “King Tide Guide '' map of the observation sites can be found here.
Photographs of the tides can be emailed to kingtide@cityofarcata.org to be added to the City’s King Tide GIS Storymap in the future. Images of the tides at locations in Humboldt County not included in the “King Tide Guide” are also welcome and encouraged.
King tide observers are also urged to share their photos to the California Coastal Commission’s King Tide story map. Information about King Tides and how to upload photos to the Coastal Commission's map can be found here.
In addition, on Tuesday, January 12, the City will host a virtual King Tide and Sea Level Rise Discussion at 2 PM. The conversation will include information on how King Tide events can show effects of future sea level rise, photos of past King Tide events will be shared and Community Development Director, David Loya, will discuss how the City is approaching responses to sea level rise. Click here to attend.
All community members who choose to observe the King Tides are urged to follow safety precautions precautions around water and COVID-19.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has information about sneaker waves, high surf and other dangers that can be found here, and community members are urged to follow these tips on how to safely observe the King Tides:
- Pick a safe place away from large waves. There are plenty of safe places to observe the tides at the Arcata Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary, and a map of those sites can be found here.
- Be sure to wear a mask and keep a 6 foot distance from people outside of your household when observing the tides.
- Do not go out alone. Always bring someone from your household if you are able to.
- Those who choose to observe the King Tides at local beaches are advised to observe them from higher ground. Select an elevated viewpoint, like a cliff with an established safety barricade to watch the tides.
- Pay attention to all warnings to stay off the beach. Do not cross barricades or fences.
- Community members are advised to consider their safety before heading out close to the waves. Those who choose to observe the King Tides at the edge of the surf are encouraged to watch how far the waves are coming in and how volatile the ocean is before setting foot on the beach. When approaching the beach, get there using a route that is easy to retrace in case of an emergency.
- Avoid jetties, rocks, logs and other slippery surfaces.
- Always keep an eye on the ocean. If on the beach, keep a safe distance from the waves. If a piece of land is dry, there is no guarantee it will stay that way. Walk diagonally on the beach so waves coming in from behind can be seen, and be ready to act fast as waves can come in rapidly and those in their path must react quickly.
- Community members with slower response times are advised not to venture close to the waves.
For more information about King Tides and sea level rise, click here or contact the Community Development Department at kingtide@cityofarcata.org.