Sea Level Rise

The Humboldt Bay area is experiencing the fastest rate of relative sea level rise on the West Coast. That's because tectonic activity is causing the ground beneath the bay to sink at the same rate that the ocean is rising. According to the California Ocean Protection Council's 2024 Science & Policy Update, sea level in the Humboldt Bay area is expected to rise approximately 1.5-2 feet above 2000 levels by 2060 and 3.9-5.5 feet by 2100. 
The primary impacts from sea level rise are increases in flooding, erosion, and rising groundwater. Sea level rise will expand areas vulnerable to flooding during major storms, as well as in the rare but catastrophic event of a major tsunami. The term 100-year flood is used as a standard for planning, insurance, and environmental analysis. But these extreme storms are happening with increasing frequency, in part due to rising seas. Sea level rise will cause more frequent—and more damaging—floods to those already at risk and will increase the size of the coastal floodplain, placing new areas at risk to flooding.
To view sea level rise scenarios for the Humboldt Bay area, visit NOAA's 2022 Sea Level Rise Viewer and go to the local scenario for the North Spit.     

Interactive Map of King Tide Photos

The California Coastal Commission's King Tide Photo Project features photos from the Humboldt Bay area and across the state. Anyone can upload photos online or via a smartphone app. Click HERE to upload yours.
Wondering about good spots to view the King Tides around Humboldt Bay? Visit our Humboldt Bay King Tide Photo Project.

Left: Erosion along New Navy Base Road in Samoa during the December 23-24, 2022 King Tides. Photo by Jen Kalt.

UPDATE: To see some of the best submitted photos, check out our King Tides Photo Album 2021.
If you missed it, there will be another set of King Tides on January 1-3. 
The highest tides of the year (known as King Tides) are coming Saturday & Sunday, December 4 & 5, and all you need to get involved is a smartphone or a camera! 

This year, we are focusing on the old railroad tracks around Humboldt Bay. Built over a century ago when sea level was 18 inches lower than it is today, the railroad hasn't operated in decades. But coal interests are scheming to seize the railroad from the State of California to export coal to Asia via Humboldt Bay. Visit NoCoalInHumboldt.org for more info on the growing coalition fighting this terrible proposal.

Photo: Erosion along the rail line near Bracut Industrial Park, Jan. 11, 2020. 

 

King Tides are the highest tides of the year which happen during full or new moons around the winster solstice. They provide a glimpse into the future, when higher tides will become more frequent as sea level rises.

On the north end of Eureka, along Eureka Slough just behind Target, there's a pole showing the height of the water level. And there's a sign explaining the relationship between certain water levels and scientific projections of sea level rise.

On Tues. and Wed. (Nov. 26-27), the first “King Tides” of this winter will coincide with a winter storm, which could lead to coastal flooding. Be very cautious of rising water, eroding shoreline, flooded roadways, and high winds. 

Baykeeper volunteers have been documenting King Tides since 2011. To get involved, all you need is a camera or a smartphone. Submit photos to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Photo: Arcata's Wastewater Treatment Facility, 12-14-16. Photo by Rich Ridenhour. 

More Articles …

  1. King Tide Photo Initiative, 2017-18
  2. King Tides Tour, December 14, 2016 in Arcata
  3. Humboldt Bay King Tide Photo Initiative 2016-17
  4. 2013-14 Humboldt Bay King Tides Photo album

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