King Tides and Their Impact on Seawalls in Vancouver

At the beginning of January 2022, there was significant damage to the seawall in Stanley Park in Vancouver, Canada. The tide itself was not exceptional, but the combination of high winds and strong waves caused considerable harm (see this link for details). This event highlights the profound impact of weather conditions on coastal infrastructure.

Understanding the Damage

One of the primary causes of the damage to the seawall was the fact that water had inundated the road base, causing the hardcore and gravel to be eroded away. This left the tarmac surface looking relatively intact, but the underlying structure was significantly compromised. It's possible that an underground stream contributed to this issue.

According to the hourly data report for January 7, 2022, there was a 60 km/hr gust from 290 degrees (west) at 10:00, which is a strong westerly wind. The tide recorded at the time was 5.47 meters at 10 am, around 50 cm higher than expected due to the wind pushing water into the bay. When combined with the one-meter-high waves, the effective water level at high tide was likely a meter higher than normal. This would have created exceptionally challenging conditions for the seawall.

King Tides: A Growing Concern

King tides, also referred to as astronomically high tides, are now more commonly recognized in regions like Australia and Vancouver. These tides occur when the sun, moon, and Earth are aligned, causing a significant increase in the height of the tide. While these tides are not uncommon, the recent surge in interest stems from the increasing frequency and intensity of these events due to climate change.

The term 'king tide' is gaining traction in the Pacific Northwest of North America, analogous to the 'king tides' in Australia, but for different reasons. In Vancouver, they are causing significant damage because they often coincide with severe windstorms. This combination results in tides that are far more powerful than conventional high tides, leading to extensive damage to both the Stanley and Jericho seawalls as seen in January 2022.

The Stanley Park Seawall

Specifically, on January 29, 2022, the Stanley Park seawall suffered significant damage as a result of a king tide and a powerful windstorm. The seawall, which is an integral part of the city's coastal infrastructure, faced severe erosive pressures. The wind-driven waves and exceptionally high tides overwhelmed the seawall's protective measures, leading to structural failure and damage to the road and walkways.

Conclusion and Future Implications

The damage to the Stanley Park seawall emphasizes the need for enhanced coastal management strategies. As climate change continues to exacerbate weather patterns, it is crucial for urban planners and decision-makers to invest in more robust coastal infrastructure design. Additionally, public awareness campaigns about the increasing risks posed by king tides can help communities prepare and mitigate the impacts.

Key Takeaways: - King tides pose a significant threat to coastal structures due to their combination with strong windstorms. - These events highlight the need for improved infrastructure and public awareness. - Community planning should adapt to include resilience against such weather phenomena.

Keywords: King tides, seawall damage, Vancouver

References: King Tide - Wikipedia