Washington’s Sea Level Is Rising

Despite the fact that land is rising in Washington due to a shifting in the tectonic plates,¹ the sea level off Washington’s coast is up to 4 inches higher than it was in 1950.² This increase is mostly due to ice melting into the ocean, and it’s causing major issues.³ Higher sea levels can increase coastal flooding, contribute to beach erosion, and allow saltwater to intrude into drinking water supplies.⁴ Solutions in Washington are urgent because the state’s coast supports a $17 billion annual tourism industry.⁵ The state is taking action and planning efforts to combat sea level rise and mitigate flooding.

Sea level rise is speeding up

The sea level around Friday Harbor, Washington, has risen by 4 inches since 1950. Its speed of rise has accelerated over the last ten years and it’s now rising by about 1 inch every 5 years.² Scientists know this because the sea level is measured every 6 minutes using equipment like satellites, floating buoys off the coast, and tidal gauges to accurately measure the local sea level as it accelerates and changes.⁷

In some areas of Washington, sea level rise is slower because the Earth’s tectonic plates are shifting the land upwards.¹ While this slows down sea level rise, the ocean is still rising faster than the land is. In areas where the land is sinking, sea levels are rising even higher.

Although there are three main causes of sea level rise in Washington, ice melt is the largest contributor.³ Because the rate of ice melt has been increasing significantly since 1992, Washington is particularly vulnerable to an increased rate of sea level rise in the future.² Click here to learn more about the causes of sea level rise.

El Niño can worsen West Coast flooding

In Washington, sea level rise and flooding can be impacted by El Niño weather events, which cause warmer ocean temperatures in the Pacific Ocean off the West Coast.⁸ Because water expands as it warms, El Niño events can raise coastal sea levels for several months.⁹ Although an El Niño decreases rainfall in Washington, it also causes bigger winter waves, which increase flooding and coastal erosion.¹⁰

There’s a lot at risk from sea level rise and flooding in Washington. Sea level rise is eroding shorelines and flooding cities, which puts roads, underground electrical infrastructure, and above ground infrastructure, such as oil handling facilities, at risk from flooding.¹³ Saltwater is beginning to move inland and into the state’s aquifers, which pollutes drinking water and damages habitats. Some drinking water supplies are already lost to saltwater intrusion, as coastal wells can no longer be used.¹⁴

Beach erosion can impact important tourist destinations that support Washington’s $17 billion tourism industry, like Gray’s Harbor.⁴ In places like Cape Shoalwater, the beach is eroding at 100 feet per year, and erosion issues near the Quillayute River could affect accessibility for the Quileute Tribe and to the United States Coast Guard station.⁴

What can you do?

Individuals, mayors, legislators, governors, and Congress can work together to build protections before flooding, to build back stronger after flooding, and to create plans that future-proof our communities. Click here to see what solutions can help protect your home or what your community can do.