West Seattle storm aftermath: More beach erosion

“Where did all that driftwood go?” asked Anne and Clarence from Ventana Construction (WSB sponsor), sharing that photo from the north-facing Lincoln Park shoreline. Note the bulkhead wall, which appears to now be fully out of the sand. As shown here earlier this week, same thing happened to the north-facing Alki shoreline; here’s one previously unpublished photo of that, courtesy of David Hutchinson:

We know the city replenishes Alki sand from time to time (remember the chunky-sand trouble earlier this year?); not sure about Lincoln Park, but we’ll check in with Seattle Parks post-holiday weekend.

Star 55 November 25, 2010 (8:40 pm)

We walked on Alki today and it was amazing. I have not seen the bottom of the stairs for years, kind of eerie…..

herongrrrl November 25, 2010 (8:42 pm)

Similar things happen at Me Kwa Mooks depending on how violent the storm and the direction it’s coming from. My observation over the years is that it might take a while, but it will come back eventually.

Scott of the Antartic November 25, 2010 (9:12 pm)

It may be too late for some; according to the Times, there are a couple of homes near 3 Tree Point that may well be condemned due to this latest round of beach erosion.

Dill November 26, 2010 (1:14 am)

That’s what happens when people build so close to the sea… high tides and heavy seas take any and all sand away from walls built against the shore. The only thing shocking is the amazement from people stunned to see it happen.

The Norwegian November 26, 2010 (8:20 am)

Mommy earth is some 10-15 billion years old. The east coast used to face the Gulf of Mexico. The equator used to have ice. Thing is, none of us were there to see it, especially Algore and his ilk. In other words: this has been going on for millions of years and we can do nothing but watch and stay out of natures way. The fact that the wood is gone or the steps are seen is interesting and cyclical. That’s about all. The fact that some are “concerned” means they have too much time on their hands and don’t understand nature.