The Washington Department of Ecology is inviting the public to share photos of upcoming extreme high tide events in January and February. Ecology’s “Washington King Tide Photo Initiative” gives residents an opportunity to help Ecology collect photos of coastal flooding along Puget Sound and the state’s outer coast.

Extreme high tides occur naturally when the sun’s and moon’s gravitational pulls reinforce one another. These high tides are called “king tides” by some states and countries.

In Washington’s coastal areas, the high winter tides occur naturally from late December through February. They offer a compelling glimpse of how sea level rise from global climate change could affect the state’s coastal areas.

“By inviting the public to help us document the effects of higher water levels during king tides,” said Ecology Director Ted Sturdevant, “we are laying the groundwork to help communities identify those areas most vulnerable to coastal flooding.”

To participate in the photo initiative, follow these steps:

• Join Ecology’s FLICKR Group at www.flickr.com/groups/1611274@N22/

• Review the high tide predictions for your area to find the right time and date at www.ecy.wa.gov/climate change/ipa_hightide.htm.

• Take photos during a high tide event in your area and post the photos on FLICKR.