Thursday, February 16, 2006
Flashback: Walton County 2000
This is the summary of the Shoreline Change Rate Estimate (Walton County) 2000 study:
Review and analysis of the available survey data record indicates that survey data comparisons most appropriate for shoreline erosion rate estimates are the 1872 to 1995 (pre-Opal) and 1872 to 1997/98 time periods. Both time periods show virtually identical patterns of erosion with rate estimates falling within the range of +0.5 and -0.5 ft/yr. Therefore, for any future planning purposes, a conservative erosion rate estimate of -1 ft/yr should be used county-wide.
A low magnitude of shoreline change was found irrespective of the time period selected and of major storms, such as Hurricane Opal in 1995. This is believed to be due to a shoreline orientation that is well adapted to the prevailing wave climate and and relatively abundant sand supply, as well as a lack of significant tidal inlets near the county. The future sand supply should be adequate due to the large renourishment project in Bay County to the east. Probably the main concern from an erosion standpoint in this county is the fact that the primary bluff or dune face is vulnerable to recession during major storm events, threatening buildings that may be sited too close to the edge or with inadequate foundations.
Review and analysis of the available survey data record indicates that survey data comparisons most appropriate for shoreline erosion rate estimates are the 1872 to 1995 (pre-Opal) and 1872 to 1997/98 time periods. Both time periods show virtually identical patterns of erosion with rate estimates falling within the range of +0.5 and -0.5 ft/yr. Therefore, for any future planning purposes, a conservative erosion rate estimate of -1 ft/yr should be used county-wide.
A low magnitude of shoreline change was found irrespective of the time period selected and of major storms, such as Hurricane Opal in 1995. This is believed to be due to a shoreline orientation that is well adapted to the prevailing wave climate and and relatively abundant sand supply, as well as a lack of significant tidal inlets near the county. The future sand supply should be adequate due to the large renourishment project in Bay County to the east. Probably the main concern from an erosion standpoint in this county is the fact that the primary bluff or dune face is vulnerable to recession during major storm events, threatening buildings that may be sited too close to the edge or with inadequate foundations.
