Thursday, October 1, 2026
The Thurston Conservation District (TCD) issued a public advisory as king tides, the highest tides of early 2025, are forecast to surge into South Puget Sound from Jan. 4-6.
The tides, expected to peak at 16.5 feet daily, serve as both a natural visual display and a warning about the realities of climate change and long-term challenges of rising ocean levels.
The tides are expected at the following times:
“For many residents of South Puget Sound, daily changes in tidal elevation help us decide when to head out for a beach walk, plan a kayak trip, or even harvest shellfish,” the district said.
However, despite their visual appeal, officials noted that the king tides bring heightened risks.
“When king tides coincide with high levels of precipitation, they can cause flooding and property damage.” the district said.
The phenomenon typically peaks in late December and early January in the region. Seasonal rainfall and storm activity further heighten its dangers in these months.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), king tides are nature’s highest tides and occur when the moon is at its closest point to Earth (perigee), and the sun is closest to Earth in its orbit (perihelion).
As a result, the alignments amplify the gravitational pull on the oceans, leading to exceptionally high tides.
The district stressed the importance of safety, advising residents to “be extra careful when walking on slippery surfaces and be aware of your surroundings. Be aware of weather conditions and big waves. Always stay a safe distance away from waves. Remember to obey safety signage and guard rails. Never turn your back on the ocean.”
To assist waterfront homeowners, the TCD’s Shore Friendly Thurston program provides free, nonregulatory site visits and assessments to help identify potential risks and opportunities along shorelines.
“Our goal is to give you the tools to make the best decisions for your shoreline,” the district said.
For more information about king tides and shoreline safety, residents are encouraged to explore the Washington Sea Grant King Tides Program or the Shore Friendly Thurston initiative.
To access detailed tide schedules, visit the WA King Tides Calendar or browse the NOAA Tide Chart.
6 comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here
notdeskandchairs
"The tides, ... serve as ... a warning about the realities of climate change and long-term challenges of rising ocean levels."
Always with the 'climate change' narrative, even when the high tides are due to other natural phenomena, described later in the article.
Wednesday, January 1, 2025 Report this
bonaro
King tides happen every year. This is not related to ther climate chage hoax. Don't panic like they want you to.
Wednesday, January 1, 2025 Report this
Boatyarddog
Bonaro... the whole City Disagrees w/you, Your Head is in the Sand.
Climate change is always happening some where on this planet. The planet is warmer than it ever has been in recorded history.
People like You are the reason warnings should exist, your endangering others with your flawed response...WHAT! is your problem? The WORLDS most knowledgable Minds have AGREED Climate Change WILL affect Our Low lying City adversly.
Wednesday, January 1, 2025 Report this
Boatyarddog
I will ask Bonaro to Cite ANY Imformation that has ANY crediability to answer the Claim that reinforces their claim that Climate Change is a Hoax.
There IS NONE!!! Bonaro is a Hoaxster and an Antagionist!
Wednesday, January 1, 2025 Report this
lisalisa
The article explained that king tides are caused by both predictable astronomical phenomena (position of sun and moon) as well as unpredictable conditions like atmospheric rivers, the latter of which are becoming more common and intense as a result of climate change. An additional impact of climate change is sea level rise over time which will make all high tides more challenging to manage. If you still consider climate change a hoax, consider that you may benefit from more fact-based sources of news and information.
Wednesday, January 1, 2025 Report this
BobJacobs
The Thurston Conservation District is quoted as saying: “When king tides coincide with high levels of precipitation, they can cause flooding and property damage.”
While that is true, it is misleading. High precipitation levels are one of several factors that can cause tides to deviate -- up or down -- from tide table predictions. But by far the most powerful factor is atmospheric pressure. Extremely low atmospheric pressure can cause a deviation by plus two feet or more. All of the other factors cause deviations of just a few inches at most.
Bob Jacobs
Wednesday, January 1, 2025 Report this