Mile 43 Report
Beach south of Humbug Mountain
September 18, 2011
The ocean was quite foamy from a high swell at night but had subsided to around 5 feet when I was there.
Report Details
The ocean was quite foamy from a high swell at night but had subsided to around 5 feet when I was there. The water was blue and remarkably clear. I did not see many birds, but could hear lots of activity on mi 42 to the south.There was lots of summer beach sand between the cliff and waters edge. It was interesting that the northern portion did not have it's usual amount of sand, suggesting the currents and wave trains moved the sand southward this summer. Lots of annual seaweed was pretty evenly distributted along the beach and often several driftlines were present.Again this is common for this time of the year, and soon the pile of seaweed will become concentrated to the south end of my mile.I would also like to briefly note that conditions this winter has generated quite an impressive class of common barnacles on the rocky shores adjacent to mile 43.
Conditions
Temperature: 70 F. Cloud Cover: Sunny. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: SW. Tide Level: 2.0 feet.
Human Activities
Number of people: 1. Walking or running: 1. Nothing beyond debris
Notable Wildlife
Few birds. the beach had lots of seaweed on it.
Beached Birds
Total dead birds: 2.
Dead Fish or Invertebrates
Crabs molt this time of the year. Many crab backs but not a concern. About 10 small scallop shells
Driftline Content
Seaweeds and seagrass, Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Ocean-based debris (from fishing boats, ship trash, etc.), Shells. Some debris but actually pretty low
Dale Lee
CoastWatcher
All Mile 43 Reports
Mile 43
Beach south of Humbug Mountain
Stepping on to be beach I was greeted by a healthy supply of summer sand, low swells and blue water with changing shades of color and contrast as the puffy clouds blew over from the northwest.
Dale Lee
Mile 43
Beach south of Humbug Mountain
Over ten feet of sand has migrated from the north end of mile 43, as remnant bits of last summer's beach can still be seen high near the vegetation line.
Dale Lee
Mile 43
Beach south of Humbug Mountain
Visiting my mile is traditionally a low tide, moderate to low swell event.
Dale Lee
Mile 43
Beach south of Humbug Mountain
Although it is about a 10 to 15 minute walk to the beach, ODOT did a major repair to the place I park and access my mile.
Dale Lee
Mile 43
Beach south of Humbug Mountain
Nice afternoon with exceptionally clean and clear air.
Dale Lee
Mile 43
Beach south of Humbug Mountain
The ocean was quite foamy from a high swell at night but had subsided to around 5 feet when I was there.
Dale Lee