Mile 289 - Kincheloe Point, South Jetty Tillamook River - December 11, 2017

Report Details

We took advantage of nice weather a week prior to the soltice for this survey. The beach had a lot of debris, mostly the result of an early flood event in Tillamook Bay. Sand continues to grow at the base of the jetty, and the jetty itself is being destroyed (retreating in length). The problem with the jetty is dangerous for maritime traffic and can cause erosion south of Mile 289 further down the spit.

Conditions

Temperature: 54 F. Cloud Cover: Sunny. Wind Velocity: Moderate. Wind Direction: SE. Tide Level: 2.0 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 1. Walking or running: 1. All of Bayocean spit is a no vehicle zone. There was a State Parks pickup on the spit, but not on 289. It seemed to be picking up large pieces of litter.

Concerns

Apparent violations: none.

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 4. Cars/trucks on beach, prohibited: 1.

Beached Birds

Total dead birds: 3. Long dead common murre, fresh loon, a unidentified dark wing.

Dead Fish or Invertebrates

none

Driftline Content

Small rocks, Seaweeds and seagrass, Shells, Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Wood pieces, Land-based debris (picnics, etc.), Marine debris (plastic, styrofoam, etc. washing in from the sea), Styrofoam, Ocean-based debris (from fishing boats, ship trash, etc.). Lots of litter on beach, most of it wood. We had an early season flood event in Tillamook recently, and much of it may be the result of flooding. But there were items that made a much longer journey.

New Development

none.

Man-made Modifications

none

Natural Changes

The big tides and large swell brought material way up the beach. Vegetation that tried to establish during the summer was destroyed. But there is no erosion. As usual, Mile 289 is gaining sand.

Actions & Comments

As a follow up to earlier comments about the condition of the south jetty, I noticed that our locally weekly, Tillamook Headlight Hearld, published an article regarding the deteriorating jetty and the effect that this could have on safety for mariners and possible erosion on Bayocean Spit. There are plans for recontruction, but funding is an issue. I think that the Congress and President don't seem very interested in infastructure spending.