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King Tide events for the 2012-2013 season are:

  • November 13th-15th
  • December 12th-14th
  • January 9th-11th
  • February 7th-9th

The California King Tides Initiative encourages members of the public to document the highest seasonal tides (or king tides) that occur along the state’s coast. These photographs help us visualize the impact of rising waters on the California coast.  Our shores are constantly being altered by human and natural processes and projections indicate that sea level rise will exacerbate these changes.  The images offer a living record of the changes to our coasts and shorelines and a glimpse of what our daily tides may look like in the future as a result of sea level rise.

Photos taken during king tide events document impacts to private property, public infrastructure, and wildlife habitat across the state.  We want to continue capturing what happens during extreme high tides, and we need your help to do it!  Be safe!  Take extra precautions when you walk on slippery areas or near big waves, and always be aware of your surroundings and the weather conditions.

King Tides offer California a preview of Sea Level Rise

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Alternet published an article on King Tides in the Bay Area and around the world in late February. This is a great example of how King Tides impact people in other parts of the world.

by Brook Meakins

Did California just get a glimpse of what future sea level may look like? California experienced King Tides, especially high tides, during early February. The King Tides come three times a year, predicted because of the orbit and alignment of the Earth, sun, and moon. I was interested in tracking them because I am an advocate for low-lying islands and coastal communities, and I frequently write about issues facing these islanders from an eye-witness perspective. The timing of the latest King Tide in California turned out to be poignant, as the Solomon Islands experienced an earthquake and subsequent tsunami that took lives and again challenged the world to think about the way communities are shaped and sometimes traumatized by the water.

Islanders who live mere inches or feet above sea level tell horrific stories about the King Tides, which bring waves crashing over sea walls, flooding homes, and sometimes washing over entire islands. So for me, King Tides were the stuff of legends. To continue, click here.

That’s a Wrap!

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A huge thanks to everyone who participated in the 2012/2013 King Tides season. We received over 400 amazing photos of coastal flooding, tides backing up storm drains, people kayaking down flooded roads, and more! Check out our Flickr site to see all the photos that were received!

Photo Credit: Linda Miller/Humboldt Baykeeper

Indian Island, Photo Credit: Linda Miller/Humboldt Baykeeper

“King Tides” pose a threat, won’t be as severe this time

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Thanks to The Coast News for discussing how the King Tides impacts their area.

By Jared Whitlock

COAST CITIES — In the past, “king tides” have flooded beachside restaurants in Cardiff, flung rocks at coastal homes and submerged the San Elijo Lagoon.

But lifeguards aren’t expecting any damage on that level from the latest king tide event, Feb. 7 through Feb. 9.

King tides — tides several feet larger than normal that pound the beach — occur several times a year when the gravitational pull of the moon and sun are in alignment. According to Encinitas lifeguard Capt. Larry Giles, the king tides are particularly problematic if they overlap with big surf. Luckily, wave heights aren’t predicted to be larger than 3 to 4 feet Thursday and into the weekend.

“We’ll be watchful, but we’re not anticipating problems,” Giles said. “The lack of powerful surf helps a lot.”

Encinitas lifeguards shored up infrastructure during previous king tides. For instance, they placed sandbags on Cardiff State Beach to prevent flooding on Coast Highway 101, the Seaside Reef parking lot and for restaurants on that stretch. As Giles noted, despite the efforts, flooding was still an issue at times. To continue reading, click here.