King Tides: A Glimpse into California’s Flooded Future
The ocean is sending a clear message. This week’s king tides – exceptionally high tides occurring when the sun, moon, and Earth align – aren’t just a spectacle for coastal explorers. They’re a stark preview of the increasingly frequent and severe flooding California communities will face as sea levels rise. In San Rafael, makeshift plywood barriers are all that stand between homes and encroaching waters, a situation meteorologists warn won’t improve anytime soon.
Understanding the Threat: King Tides and Sea Level Rise
King tides, while a natural phenomenon, are becoming increasingly concerning in the context of climate change. They offer a tangible demonstration of what regular high tides could look like in the coming decades. “If you’re flooding now, it’s not gonna get any better, certainly in the future,” warns Dalton Behringer, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s Bay Area office. This isn’t a distant threat; it’s happening now, impacting infrastructure and daily life along the California coast.
The Vulnerability of Coastal Communities
The situation in San Rafael’s Canal neighborhood highlights the uneven preparedness across the state. While some areas have invested in substantial flood defenses, others, like San Rafael, rely on ad-hoc solutions. Carly Finkle, senior policy manager with the nonprofit Canal Alliance, describes the current defenses as “flimsy,” acknowledging they’re barely holding back the rising waters. The city’s bowl-like topography exacerbates the problem, making it particularly susceptible to inundation. This lack of robust infrastructure isn’t unique to San Rafael; many low-lying coastal communities are similarly vulnerable.
Navigating the High Tides: Safety and Exploration
Despite the risks, the king tides also present an opportunity for observation and education. Several organizations are hosting events this week to help the public understand the impacts of rising sea levels firsthand. Canal Alliance, in partnership with the City of San Rafael, is offering a community tour on Saturday, December 6th, from 9 a.m. to noon, providing residents with “community science kits” to assess the effects on local waterfront areas.
However, experts caution visitors to prioritize safety. Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Hubach advises caution when exploring the coast during both high and low tides. At high tide, be mindful of parking locations to avoid flooding. During low tide, wear waterproof, non-slip shoes, a headlamp, and always explore with a companion. Be aware of potentially hidden marine life and the risk of unexpected waves, especially around dusk. Remember the mantra: “Take only pictures, take memories with you, and leave only footprints.”
Upcoming King Tide Events & Tide Schedules
Here’s a schedule of some of the events and tide times for the San Francisco area:
- Thursday, Dec. 4: San Francisco: After Dark: Royal Tides at the ExploratoriumPier 15 (Embarcadero at Green Street), 6-10 p.m. Learn more at the Exploratorium website.
- Friday, Dec. 5: Fishmonger: King Tides and Marsh Trails at Pescadero State BeachCentral Pescadero Beach Access Parking Lot, Pescadero, San Mateo County 9 a.m.
- Saturday, Dec. 6: Saint Raphael: High Tide Day711 Grand Avenue, 9 a.m. to noon. Saint Raphael: King Tides in China Camp at China Camp State Park, Marin County, Turtle Back Trailhead off of North San Pedro Road from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Alameda: King Tide at the Cove from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Palo Alto: King Tides Walk from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Alviso and Menlo Park: December 2025 King Tides in Alviso at Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge. 1751 Grand Blvd., Alviso, Santa Clara County. Noon to 1 p.m.
San Francisco Tide Times
| High Tides | Low Tides |
|---|---|
| Tuesday: 8:24 a.m. | Tuesday: 3:15 p.m. |
| Wednesday: 9:04 a.m. | Wednesday: 4:02 p.m. |
| Thursday: 9:48 a.m. | Thursday: 4:50 p.m. |
| Friday: 10:35 a.m. | Friday: 5:40 p.m. |
| Saturday: 11:25 a.m. | Saturday: 6:30 p.m. |
| Sunday: 12:17 a.m. | Sunday: 8:12 p.m. |
Beyond the Tides: Long-Term Adaptation Strategies
The king tides are a wake-up call. Addressing the long-term threat of sea level rise requires a multi-faceted approach. This includes investing in robust coastal infrastructure, implementing managed retreat strategies in the most vulnerable areas, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate the root cause of the problem. NOAA provides extensive resources on sea level rise and adaptation strategies. Ignoring the warning signs – as the flimsy plywood barriers in San Rafael demonstrate – is simply not an option.
The future isn’t predetermined. By understanding the risks and proactively implementing adaptation measures, California communities can build resilience and navigate the challenges of a changing climate. The king tides are a signal, and it’s time to heed the warning.
What are your predictions for the future of California’s coastline? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
