Mile 123 - Bastendorff Beach east half, South Jetty Coos Bay - January 12, 2011

Report Details

Bastendorff beach was swept clean by winds and high tides. Little, 2-3 inch, pedestals of sand,topped with a shell fragment or small rock were very common in the still damp areas of the beach. These little structures attested to recent strong winds. The foredune destruction by ATVs continues; there are now roads/ tracks that lead right through the dunes to the beach. Dark rocks and cobbles are abundant over the entire beach. At the creek, erosion of the southern bank continues as the waters now have a new route to the sea.

Conditions

Temperature: 56 F. Cloud Cover: Cloudy. Wind Velocity: Moderate. Wind Direction: S. Tide Level: 0.0 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 9. Number of dogs: 5. Walking or running: 9. Continuing evidence of illegal driving on beach. There are several roads now that cut right through the dunes to the beach.

Concerns

Apparent violations: more evidence of illegal driving on beach.

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 8.

Notable Wildlife

A few gulls were the only birds seen. The beach was swept clean by high tides and winds. No fresh seaweeds, only old piles of young bull kelp covered with sand.

Stranded Marine Mammals

Total stranded mammals: 1. One quite decomposed CSL on the driftline, with no head. Length approximately 8.5 feet.

Driftline Content

Very little debris of any kind, only a few broken shells, and dried up seaweed

Natural Changes

retreating foredune.

Actions & Comments

Aforementioned ongoing foredune destruction by ATVs, mentioned in previous CoastWatch reports.