Friday January 10, 2020 ~ SOOKE
~ West Shore Voice News
Residents and visitors to the shoreline areas of Sooke are advised to use additional caution on beaches and at shorelines this weekend Saturday January 11 and Sunday January 12.
“Extreme high tides combined with surf may create hazardous conditions,” said District of Sooke CAO Norm McInnis in a news release today January 10.
The region will see exceptionally high tides (called ‘king tides’) at approximately noon on January 10, 11 and 12. Reference: Tide Tables (Fisheries & Oceans Canada): Sooke | Sooke Basin
Parks Canada, in an advisory on January 9, reported that “very large wave conditions will create strong currents and shoreline flooding”. Beaches can go from completely dry to several feet under water in just a few seconds.
Surges can be powerful and unpredictable and can float or roll logs.
As little as 4 inches (10 centimeters) of water can move a 1-tonne log.
When combined with high tides, waves can breach areas beyond the upper shoreline, including parking lots.
People are advised to avoid in-water activities. Shoreline users should stay well back from the water’s edge, especially along rocky shorelines or islands, it was stated in the Parks Canada advisory.
District of Sooke staff will continue to monitor conditions, says McInnis.
Depending on the severity of the flooding seas, Whiffin Spit parking lot may be temporarily closed to protect visitor safety.
For more information, refer to the link below or contact the District of Sooke Parks Department at parks@sooke.ca
LINKS =========
High Tides in BC in 2020 – Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Respect the ocean – be coast smart! Learn before you go near the water at
www.coastsmart.ca