Mile 147 - Oregon Dunes NRA, North Spit Umpqua River, Winchester Bay - March 11, 2018

Report Details

Since my last visit in June 2017 there were noticable difference to the bluff on the southern end of mile 147 before the Jetty. The beach had been swept clean of driftwood and the usual amount of garbage by wave action. The bluff had become more pronounced as evidenced by the ATV entrance to the beach from the east side by the river. What was a walkable and drivable grade from the beach to the foredune area is not a drop off and to steep for people or vehicles to climb up and over.

Conditions

Temperature: 60 F. Cloud Cover: Sunny. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: N. Tide Level: 1.7 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 43. Number of dogs: 3. Walking or running: 13. Playing in sand: 15. Sitting: 6. Photography: 3. Fishing: 6. Other Activities: Driving on the beach with small 4 wheel recreation vehicles, SUV's and pick up trucks. The most I have ever seen.. Everyone well behaved. Several assisted us in taking bags of beach garbage to the parking area.

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 5. Cars/trucks on beach, allowed: 15. ATVs/OHVs on beach, allowed: 6.

Notable Wildlife

One unusual fish. Long like an eel with sharp teeth and pointed head. Multiple shiny colors about 5 inches in diameter and 4 ft. long.

Beached Birds

Total dead birds: 1. Seagull

Dead Fish or Invertebrates

Very long like an eel with sharp teeth and pointed head on a long sleek 5 inch diameter body about 4 ft. long. Very beautiful multi colors. The fish had been wounded in the head area and had washed up on shore. He was still alive so carried him by the tail back to the surf. Not sure if the fish survived.

Driftline Content

Seaweeds and seagrass, Shells, Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Ocean-based debris (from fishing boats, ship trash, etc.). Beach did not have large pieces of trash.

Natural Changes

Erosion of vegetated foredune, Visible retreat of solid bluff.