What are king tides? Exceptionally high tides coming to the Oregon Coast
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Exceptionally high seasonal tides known as king tides return to the Oregon Coast this November.
King tides occur when the alignment of the sun and moon combine to add extra gravitational pull on the Earth, causing its oceans to swell. During a king tide, water levels can surpass the highest daily averages by six inches or more. These high tides can cause coastal flooding and hazardous beach conditions, especially when combined with storms or sneaker waves.
“The Coast Guard and National Weather Service are urging the public who visit coastal beaches during King Tides to be on alert for dangerous surf and potentially fatal sneaker waves,” the U.S. Coast Guard warns. “Sneaker waves are disproportionately large waves which surge unexpectedly up the beach without warning … The sudden rush of water will immerse the dry shore and send large logs rolling, becoming dangerous projectiles. Other hazards include being swept out to sea and immersion into cold water. Sneaker waves are the deadliest natural hazard on the West Coast.”
Oregon’s 2024-25 King Tides Forecast:
- Nov. 15-17, 2024
- Dec. 13-15, 2024
- Jan. 11-13, 2025
West Coast beaches with the greatest risk of coastal flooding during king tides include Friday Harbor, Wash., Port Angeles, Wash., Toke Point, Wash., South Beach, Ore. and Humboldt Bay, Calif.