Extreme Wave Hazard Warning for December 14, 2024 - Pacific Rim National Park Reserve - Dangerous Waves, Storm Surges & Upper-Shoreline Flooding
Parks Canada has issued an extreme wave hazard warning, notifying the public to use extreme caution near beaches, shorelines, and coastal waters in and around Pacific Rim National Park Reserve on December 14, 2024.
The region will be experiencing higher than normal tides combined with storm surge conditions that will bring water levels up to 1 meter above the normal high tide Saturday morning and into the early afternoon.
During this time, combined seas are expected to reach up to 6-7 metres. Very large wave conditions will create strong currents and upper-shoreline flooding. Beaches can go from completely dry to several feet under water in only seconds. These surges can be powerful and unpredictable and have the potential to float or roll logs. During high tides, waves will reach areas beyond the upper shoreline, including parking lots.
Visitors are advised to avoid in-water activities. Shoreline users are advised to stay well back from the water’s edge especially along beaches, rocky shorelines or islands, and to avoid close proximity to logs which can suddenly roll or shift unexpectedly. Never turn your back to the ocean and maintain an appropriate level of situational awareness - leave space and time to react to sudden water surges.
Park visitors interested in viewing large waves are advised to use the following safer locations:
- Florencia Bay Look-out
- Kwisitis Visitor Centre’s Observation Deck
Before you go out, consult the forecasts and alerts issued by Environment Canada.
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve staff will continue to monitor conditions. Depending on the severity of the flooding seas, select beach parking lots and beach areas in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve may be temporarily closed to protect visitor safety. Respect all closures in place for your own safety. Any updates can be found online and on the LED screens in place at four locations within the park reserve.
CoastSmart.ca is the go-to place to find the Coastal Safety information you need to make smart decisions when going in the water, or even near it. Be CoastSmart and ‘know before you go’ near the water.