Witness Washington’s Highest Tide of Year

Friday, January 5, 2018 at Washington Park, Anacortes

— from MaryAnn Wagner, Washington Sea Grant —

Winter months in Washington offer ideal conditions for witnessing king tides, the largest tides of the year, and they also provide a preview of what rising sea levels will look like in years to come. Join Washington Sea Grant for Anacortes’ first King Tide Viewing Party, presented with support from the Washington Department of Ecology.

From the shoreline, Washington Sea Grant’s coastal expert Bridget Trosin will explain what sea level rise might look like in your area. Warming refreshments will be provided. Get involved: bring your camera and take part in the King Tides Project. Document Washington’s highest tides by photographing your favorite Puget Sound park, beach or wetland when the tide peaks and upload your photos at www.washington.kingtides.net.

What: King Tide Viewing Party
When: Friday, Jan. 5, 2018 at 8 a.m.
Where: Washington Park boat launch, Anacortes

Trosin explains that, “Extreme high tides, known as king tides, are a dramatic feature of Washington winters, that occur when the moon and sun are on the same side of the planet and when the moon comes closest to earth in its orbit.” King tides don’t result from climate change, but these high-water events provide a visual glimpse of the future along Puget Sound, as a changing climate causes sea levels to rise.

Department of Ecology Coastal Planner Bobbak Talebi points out that, “This project promotes awareness of sea level rise impacts by allowing residents to experience what high tides currently influence and think about the implications if these extreme events become the normal water levels. Ecology supports the King Tides initiative and provides an atlas to find public beaches.”

Washington Sea Grant, based at the University of Washington, provides statewide marine research, outreach, and education services, helping people understand and address the challenges facing our ocean and coasts. The National Sea Grant College Program is part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. www.wsg.washington.edu.