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Changing Conditions

Salish Sea Alliance
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Shore Friendly
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Changing Conditions

The Salish Sea is a dynamic and ever-changing system

shaped by the constant movement of wind, waves, and currents.

These natural forces transport sediment along the shoreline, gradually reshaping bluffs and beaches—a process essential to creating and sustaining the diverse habitats and species of the region. Climate change and sea level rise are intensifying these natural dynamics. Rising seas, stronger storms, and shifting precipitation patterns increase erosion and destabilize bluffs. As the pace of change accelerates, understanding and working with these natural processes becomes ever more critical.

Changing Sea Levels

Sea level rise results from the thermal expansion of ocean water as global ocean temperatures rise, glacial melt accelerates and localized vertical land movement occurs (subsidence or uplift). Local vertical land movement is caused by sedimentation, post-glacial rebound, and local tectonic uplift. These issues are all exaggerated by climate change. Changes in sea level rise over time can alter the position of coastlines, and cause coastal flooding, waterlogged soils, and the loss of land.

Increased Storm Intensity & Frequency

Climate change is causing an increase in both the number and intensity of storms. Large storms can cause storm surges and more rainwater saturation. This means flooding and landslide events are becoming more common due to the increase in water input from both the sea and upland runoff. Flood events caused by strong storms can destabilize banks and threaten structures by increasing erosion rates.

Resources

NOAA SLR Viewer

Understanding your local rate of relative sea level rise, the net effect of sea level change when vertical land movement is taken into account, is important. Relative sea level rise rates vary considerably across the Salish Sea.

This website was created by NOAA and can show how our coasts will look as sea levels rise.

coast.noaa.gov

Sea Level Rise and Shoreline Properties

Rising seas can bring unexpected challenges to shoreline homes. Learn how future tide predictions, natural shoreline strategies, and free resources from the Shore Friendly program can help you protect your property without sacrificing coastal habitat.

What are King Tides?

Click here to learn how king tides can offer a preview of future shoreline conditions under rising sea levels.

King Tide Impact Mitigation

King tides can lead to flooding and environmental damage. This document shows how relocating hazardous materials out of the flood zone can help protect your property and shoreline.

Prepare for Winter King Tides

King tides combined with winter storms can cause severe flooding and erosion. Learn how natural shorelines, native vegetation, and proactive planning can help reduce impacts and protect your coastal property.