THIS YEAR’S HIGHEST TIDES are hitting the Bay Area through Saturday, with another set arriving Jan. 2-3. Local and state organizations are preparing a slate of public events designed to spotlight the growing risks of sea level rise and coastal flooding, and citizen scientists are asked to participate in gathering photographic evidence.
Known as king tides, these extreme water levels offer planners a preview of how climate change may reshape California’s shorelines in the decades ahead. The contributed images help scientists and policymakers assess local flooding vulnerabilities and compare real-world conditions to their own sea level rise projection models.
The California Coastal Commission emphasized that king tides — typically at least a foot above average highs — demonstrate what daily tides may look like in 2050, when ocean levels in California are projected to rise up to 1.2 feet, and up to 6.6 feet by 2100. The agency has launched its annual California King Tides Project, inviting residents across the state to photograph the high tides and submit their images to an online public archive. People are invited to upload photos to an interactive map and share video through a Dropbox site.
The commission warns participants to take extra precautions around slippery areas and big waves, and to always be conscious of surroundings and the weather conditions.
“Don’t turn your back on the ocean! Please be aware that shore birds may be taking refuge in areas above the tide line — don’t flush them out in the process of getting your shot,” the project website said. “Some of the most powerful images are taken in areas that are subject to flooding and erosion, and of places where high water levels can be gauged against familiar landmarks (such as cliffs, rocks, roads, buildings, bridge supports, sea walls, staircases, and piers).”
To learn how to participate, visit California Coastal Commission’s website. On the site, residents can browse the growing statewide gallery of tide images online and follow the project on social media under the hashtag #KingTides.
“These images help us visualize and map vulnerable areas, showing where water overtops seawalls, floods streets, or impacts infrastructure,” said Lyndsey Roach, spokesperson for San Francisco’s Exploratorium Museum.
“Over time, this growing archive allows researchers to track changes and identify patterns that might not be captured by tide gauges alone. That firsthand experience also makes sea level rise tangible and personal. People begin asking questions about their community’s preparedness and consider how these changes will impact their own lives and those of their neighbors,” Roach said.
More ways to participate
The Exploratorium is hosting several public programs.
On Friday morning, educators from several schools in the San Francisco Unified School District will bring students to observe the tides along The Embarcadero before continuing to the Exploratorium for climate-focused learning co-presented by the Port of San Francisco.
On Saturday in San Rafael, the Canal Alliance will host its annual High Tide Day on from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 711 Grand Ave. San Rafael’s low-lying Canal neighborhood is especially vulnerable to flooding, with extreme tides and stronger storms already threatening homes and public infrastructure.
The family-friendly event will include hands-on scientific fieldwork at waterfront locations, where they will measure water levels and collect data. The event will feature local experts, youth activities, art stations, and free food, T-shirts, and science kits. Children are encouraged to participate, and attendees are advised to bring waterproof boots.
The museum on Thursday night also hosted reporters from KALW in a panel to discuss the reporting series Rising Waters: Stories from California’s Changing Coastline. Reporters from around the state provided local perspectives from Ocean Beach, Pescadero and Napa River. The museum’s After Dark: Royal Tides event also featured hands-on activities, demonstrations, and opportunities for waterfront observation.
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