This season’s king tides will occur on the California coast Dec. 22 and 23, as well as Jan. 20 and 21. What are king tides?
While the term “king tide” isn’t a scientific term, it is used to describe an especially high tide event, when there is alignment of the gravitational pull between sun and moon. When king tides occur during floods or storms, water levels can rise higher and have the potential to cause great damage to the coastline and coastal property. King tides: occur naturally and regularly;
are predictable and expected; and are not an everyday occurrence. Take and share king tides photos at coastal.ca.gov/kingtides/index.html. Use your smart phone to participate in the project by taking and uploading photos of king tides through the “King Tides Photo Upload” form. Start by choosing where you’ll go to take your photos and then look at the map online to find out what time and how high your king tides will be. (Take your photos as near to high tide time as you can.) The most important thing to remember is to be safe. Take extra precautions when you walk on slippery areas or near big waves, and always be conscious of your surroundings and the weather conditions. Don’t turn your back on the ocean. Please be aware that shore birds may be taking refuge in areas above the tide line – don’t flush them out in the process of getting your shot. Some of the most powerful images are taken in areas that are subject to flooding and erosion, and of places where high water levels can be gauged against familiar landmarks (such as cliffs, rocks, roads, buildings, bridge supports, sea walls, staircases, and piers). In addition to uploading your photos, you can also share them on social media using #kingtides.