High Tides Coming - 1-21-11

Illahee Shoreline.  Illahee has over 3 miles of marine shoreline that run from north of the Cheney Estates to University Point, and most of Illahee slopes toward Puget Sound with some breathtaking views of the water.  Those water views change some with the tidal extremes, and we will be be seeing some of them this weekend (1/22/11 and 1/23/11).

Highest Tides of the Year.  This weekend we will experience the highest calculated tides of 2011.  Using the Tide Chart put out by the shipyard for Bremerton, Sinclair Inlet, and Port Orchard, the Saturday tide will be 13.8 at 7:01 am, and on Sunday it will be 13.8 at 7:34 am.  Note that depending on winds, atmospheric pressure, and rain, the predicted tides can vary by as much as 1 foot either way.

The Variables.  The effects of the above variables of winds, pressure and rain are as follows:  High pressure systems decrease the predicted tides, whereas low pressure systems increase them.  A westerly wind in the Strait of Juan De Fuca is reported to increase tides as are heavy rains.  So if the variables all line up for increasing the tide, we could theoretically experience a 14.8 foot tide (see the second to the last entry for how Olympia can be affected).

NOAA Tide Datums. We found the attached NOAA chart helpful in explain the different tidal headings and their readings.  The readings are slightly different for Bremerton where the MHHW is 11.7 ft, and the MSL is 6.9 ft.

Figure III-6.  Tidal datums for the Seattle Station (Source: NOAA 2001)

Why Tidal Heights Change.  We found the following explanation about why there are such great 

differences in the Puget Sound tides, and why Olympia is so highly impacted.  The link is:

  http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/sea/pugetsound/beaches/tide.html

Be Aware of Tides

The shape of the Sound affects the tide as it moves through channels and inlets. In the Straight of Juan De Fuca, a 7.2 foot tide at Cape Flattery will reach Port Townsend 3 hours and forty minutes later and increase in magnitude to 7.9 feet. The tide will reach south Puget Sound 1 hour later and increase to 13.5 feet by the time the tide reaches Olympia. Extreme high tides of 18 feet have been recorded in Olympia.

Photos Requested.  If we do experience extreme high tides, it would be nice to get some photos that we can pass on.

Jim Aho

Meet Filmmaker & Discuss Possibilities on Friday 10/15 - 10/13/09

Film Meeting Friday (10/15) Evening.  This Friday we will have an opportunity to meet Shelly Solomon, the filmmaker who will be doing two films on Illahee.  It will also be an opportunity for local residents to weigh in on what they would like to see presented, especially as the film will present some local history of Illahee.

Meeting in Port of Illahee Office.  We will meet in the new Port of Illahee office which is the residential building at 5560 Ocean View Blvd, at 7 pm.

What Issues should be Presented?  We received a box of shells from someone who collected them roughly 50 years ago along the Illahee Shoreline (see attached photos).  We were surprised that they had come from here because we had never seen shells like these along the beach.  Should these be shown as an indication of how the beach creatures have changed over the years?  This is just one question or issue that we may want to see included.  Shelly is a biologist and is interested in issues like this.

Sediment Issues.  A number or shoreline residents have commented on the buildup of sediment, primarily north of Illahee Creek and around the Illahee Community dock.  Should we have a diver film the buildup of sediment under the dock and floats?  And there are stories about people getting stuck in the mud in the vicinity of the dock.  Should these be included?  What about those waterfront property owners whose shellfish beds have disappeared?

Who Should be Interviewed?  We will need to come up with a list of those in the area who should be interviewed or whose story should be told.  There are residents who have lived near Illahee Creek and know it better than anyone.  Also, there are those who have lived on the shoreline at areas from University Point to Illahee State Park, and places in between, who can tell us the changes they have seen over the years.

Who Should Attend?  Anyone who has ideas and who would like to have some input into the Illahee film.  Remember that Illahee is new to Shelly and she needs to be brought up to speed on the history.  We need broad input and hope to see many of you there.

Jim Aho