Mile 254 Report
Kiwanda Beach, Neskowin Crest
March 17, 2024
The north 1/2 mile of 254 was recently eroded to the point that I did not recognize it.
Report Details
The north 1/2 mile of 254 was recently eroded to the point that I did not recognize it. I estimate 15-20' of dunes have been eroded. There are approximately 57 recently fallen trees and beach grasses on the beach. Tree roots hang over cliffs. An entire copse of trees which previously was about 20 feet inland is about to fall into the ocean.
Conditions
Temperature: 58 F. Cloud Cover: Cloudy. Wind Velocity: Moderate. Tide Level: 0.3 feet.
Human Activities
Number of people: 32. Walking or running: 32.
Vehicles
ATVs/OHVs on beach, allowed: 1.
Notable Wildlife
2 crows feeding at low tide
Driftline Content
Small rocks, Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt).
Natural Changes
Newly exposed roots/trees falling, Erosion of vegetated foredune, Visible retreat of solid bluff, Evidence of wave overtopping. The entire northern 1/2 mile was remarkably changed. In fact, I did not recognize it! I would estimate there is a 15- 20' loss of dunes with 57 relatively recently uprooted and fallen shore pines and beach grasses on that 1/2 mile of the beach. We've had some strong winds lately but I was flabbergasted at the extent of the erosion. I talked with two locals who estimate that this has happened within the last two weeks. Looking southward from the end of my mile, it is obvious that had Neskowin village not been rip rapped years ago, much of it would have been leveled by this storm.
Report Images
Heidi Heidenreich
CoastWatcher
All Mile 254 Reports
Mile 254
Kiwanda Beach, Neskowin Crest
The north 1/2 mile of 254 was recently eroded to the point that I did not recognize it.
Heidi Heidenreich
Mile 254
Kiwanda Beach, Neskowin Crest
see previous box for the most salient observations!
Heidi Heidenreich
Mile 254
Kiwanda Beach, Neskowin Crest
One cannot help but notice the 120+ large clumps on entangled kelp all along mile 254.
heidenreichh
Mile 254
Kiwanda Beach, Neskowin Crest
The north half mile of 254 (after the end of the rip rap )has experienced serious erosion.
heidenreichh
Mile 254
Kiwanda Beach, Neskowin Crest
There is a marked difference between the 1/4 mile of rip rapped beach with its gentle slope and 2' shelf of sand blown against the rocks AND the north 3/4 mile where the dunes are receeding and are eroding in height.
heidenreichh
Mile 254
Kiwanda Beach, Neskowin Crest
It has been two months since my last observation and, of course, there have been many storms, a great deal of rain and high winds in that time.
heidenreichh
Mile 254
Kiwanda Beach, Neskowin Crest
One dead sea lion which I understand is all too common at this time on the Oregon Coast.
heidenreichh
Mile 254
Kiwanda Beach, Neskowin Crest
This is my first observation for mile 254.
MatthewsE