Mile 173 - South end of Baker Beach, Sutton Creek, Heceta Beach - June 4, 2011

Report Details

Today was a gloriously warm day at the beach. Sutton Creek continues to shift dramatically to the north, leaving part of the old channel as a brackish backwater. Trees and other foliage continue to die in that area and almost look as though they have been burned by the lack of water. The creek no longer threatens the riprap at Klahanee as it did several years ago. A new sand drift has cropped up north of the creek. There was very little natural debris and no garbage on the beach today, except for the occasional small bit of rope. Some crab shells and one large sea star were spotted. No human beings and no animal tracks (no dogs, horses or coyotes) were seen north of the creek today. The fording depth of Sutton Creek was 2-3 feet as the high tide came in.

Conditions

Temperature: 80 F. Cloud Cover: Sunny. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: W. Tide Level: 8.0 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 12. Number of dogs: 2. Walking or running: 10. Playing in surf: 2.

Concerns

Apparent violations: saw truck on beach, couldn't catch to get license plate number--south of Sutton Creek.

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 5. Cars/trucks on beach, prohibited: 1.

Notable Wildlife

Very few seabirds on the mile today...some sanderlings, seagulls and crows

Dead Fish or Invertebrates

Unusual concentration. Mostly crab shells, low concentration

Driftline Content

Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Shells, Small rocks, Wood pieces. NO SHIP GARBAGE previous on this beach

Natural Changes

Erosion of vegetated foredune, Major cracks appearing in bluffs, Newly exposed roots/trees falling. major continuing move north of Sutton Creek...now not anywhere near the riprap

Report Images

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