How to Participate | King Tides Photo Gallery | About King Tides | Educator Resources
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King Tides are the highest predicted tides of the year. Your photos help us understand the impact of these tides and how sea level rise is changing our shoreline. What will our coast look like when the King Tides of today become our everyday high tides?
Join the project by taking and sharing photos of the shoreline during King Tides.
Our King Tides Project Dates are selected based on the highest predicted astronomical tides for the state of California, to create a shapshot of the impact of high water level on our coast. The tide predictions are based on the relative position of the Earth, moon, and sun, and do not include any storm surges or El Niño impacts. Find out what time the King Tides will be at your chosen location. Learn how to participate and add your King Tides photos to our interactive photo map. As always, please be cautious and respect the power of the ocean, and don't disturb shorebirds and other animals that may be much farther upland than usual. Download a How to Participate flyer to share the project with others.
This fall and winter, scientists anticipate that California will experience a historically strong or "super" El Niño, along with Kelvin waves which cause a temporary increase in sea level. Coastal communities may experience more frequent and intense storms, rainfall, and high waves. These conditions can result in actual water heights exceeding tide predictions as well as significant dangers, including landslides, flooding, and unsafe ocean waters. With this winter's conditions in mind, it is especially important to always check and follow local and statewide safety guidelines during and after storm and high surf events and heed any emergency closures and warnings. Please do not seek King Tide photos in your area unless you can do so safely. Read more about El Niño.
On King Tide days we also experience extreme low tides, a great time to explore tide pools. Learn how to protect tide pool animals when you're visiting their home.
Contact the California King Tides Project at kingtides@coastal.ca.gov.
