What are King Tides?
“King Tide” is a non-scientific term used to describe exceptionally high tides that occur naturally and predictably at certain times of the year. These high water levels can lead to coastal flooding, particularly in low-lying areas. While King Tides are not directly linked to climate change, they provide a valuable preview of what our coastlines may look like with just 1 to 2 feet of sea level rise in the future.
Why Are King Tides Important?
King Tides help us visualize the potential impacts of rising sea levels, offering a glimpse of what could become more common in the years to come. Understanding how our coastlines respond to these extreme tides today is essential for planning and preparing for future changes.
Get Involved: Share Your Photos!
We invite you to help document the King Tides by taking photos and sharing them with the California King Tides Project, an initiative by the California Coastal Commission. Since 2018, this project has been building a statewide gallery of King Tide images that helps track the impacts of rising sea levels.
(Photo credits: California King Tides Project)
How to Participate:
- Take Photos of the King Tides during the event (December 13-15) along the California coast.
- Upload Your Photos to the California King Tides Project website. Follow this link for submission instructions.
- Join a King Tides event organized by the California King Tides Project. Find a time and location that works for you.
Focus Areas in San Mateo County
OneShoreline is particularly interested in receiving photos from the following areas in San Mateo County:
- Along the Bay Trail in Burlingame and Millbrae
- Brisbane Marina
- Ravenswood Open Space Preserve
- Pacifica Pier
- Oyster Point Marina and Pillar Point Harbor
Please pay attention to personal safety! Don’t turn your back to the ocean, and don’t drive through flooded roads. Also be aware that shorebirds may be further upland than usual during King Tides.
Your participation in this effort will help raise awareness about the potential challenges posed by sea level rise and contribute to important climate resilience planning for our communities.
Thank you for your involvement! Together, we can better prepare for the future of our coastline.