December 4, 2017 13.7' high tide and surf wreak havoc

Seward, Alaska

The highest tide of the year, 13.7', peaked at 1:05 pm today. The Seward Harbor ramps down to the docks were almost level. Fortunately the harbor waters were protected and calm.

Combined with a strong surf and south wind, the wild ocean battered Seward's shoreline. Powerful waves shot up all along the beach like geysers, shooting rocks and debris onto the bike path. Campground fire rings, normally a safe distance from the beach, were engulfed in the wave surges.

Water surged across the bike path and dumped into Scheffler Creek, leaving a rubble pile of rocks. A lone picnic table marking a campsite, withstood repeated waves that raced through its wooden legs.

Waves pummeled Lowell Point Road, flinging rocks and woody debris clear across the road. Motorists navigated cautiously between the ocean spray, road rubble, deep puddles, and falling rocks. At particularly narrow spots, timing was essential to dart past before the waves returned to slam into the roadside. 

Several sections were severely undercut by the pounding surf. It was a very dramatic and exciting drive!

Despite the challenging conditions, a Seward Public Works loader managed to scrape the damaged road into a more drivable condition. Thank you, Public Works!


Carol Griswold