Mile 99 Report
Bandon State Park, Devils Kitchen, Haystack Rock
March 21, 2019
Mile 99 seems to have weathered the winter storms with some erosion of the seagrass foredunes, but minimal loss of solid bluff.
Report Details
Mile 99 seems to have weathered the winter storms with some erosion of the seagrass foredunes, but minimal loss of solid bluff. The creeks bordering the mile to the north and south have carved significantly wider and deeper paths to the ocean. One California Sea Lion was observed alive at the last high tide line, and was reported to Oregon Marine Mammal authorities. Local environmental scientists reported that the beach showed evidence of mole crab breeding activity from the previous night of a full moon. There were fewer people and dogs on the beach than during a summer day of similar conditions (sunny, light winds).
Conditions
Temperature: 48 F. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: SW. Tide Level: 1.0 feet.
Human Activities
Number of people: 18. Number of dogs: 6. Walking or running: 18. Other Activities: 3 Children playing in Johnson Creek.
Vehicles
Cars/trucks parking: 5.
Stranded Marine Mammals
Total stranded mammals: 1. Adult California Sea Lion was laying on the beach at last high tide line. It was alive, and raised its head in response to noise (e.g. dog barking). Report with photos sent to Oregon Marine Mammal Stranding, with return response from Jim Rice.Followup: CSL remained on the beach at least until dark, when warning signs were posted, but was no longer on the beach the next morning.
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 small plastic pieces in the wrack line.
Natural Changes
Erosion of vegetated foredune. Erosion was evident along the bluff, primarily involving vegetated (sea grass) foredunes The footprints of the creeks at both ends of Mile 99 (Johnson Creek on the north and Crooked Creek on the south) were broadened significantly since the last survey, with banks as high as 5 feet in height.
Report Images
tbowspencer
CoastWatcher
All Mile 99 Reports
Mile 99
Bandon State Park, Devils Kitchen, Haystack Rock
There were several groups of people enjoying the beauty of mile 99 on a Sunday.
Teri Spencer
Mile 99
Bandon State Park, Devils Kitchen, Haystack Rock
A rainy day at low tide.
Teri Spencer
Mile 99
Bandon State Park, Devils Kitchen, Haystack Rock
Post summer survey of Mile 99 showed movement of Johnson creek approx 1/4 mile north from last survey.
tbowspencer
Mile 99
Bandon State Park, Devils Kitchen, Haystack Rock
There is little change on mile 99 since the last survey.
tbowspencer
Mile 99
Bandon State Park, Devils Kitchen, Haystack Rock
A quiet morning after the summer season.
tbowspencer
Mile 99
Bandon State Park, Devils Kitchen, Haystack Rock
Mile 99 is now mostly flat, without the sand dunes seen on the last survey.
tbowspencer
Mile 99
Bandon State Park, Devils Kitchen, Haystack Rock
Although there has been over 9 inches of rain since October 1, both creeks (Johnson and Crooked) on mile 99 are at lower than expected levels of max depth of approx 5 inches at usual crossing spots.
tbowspencer
Mile 99
Bandon State Park, Devils Kitchen, Haystack Rock
Late August along Mile 99 shows noticably lower sand dunes than in previous years.
tbowspencer