EstuaryWatch Data Portal

Some outflow but mainly salt from waves entering down channel ( which is narrow at mid point) then proceeding into estuary  turning abruptly to east

Sand build up visible under wave surge around rocks

SW swell strongly impacting east end of beach. Beach face higher near entrance but with several deep NS channels

Very strong wave surge creating dramatic whirlpool recorded where channel meets estuary on 24-06-17

Over period 24-26-06-17 very high tides recorded but not much rainfall

Dark discharge out to east along beach face then turning out to sea before east end Diminishing outflow is over increasing sand build up at entrance & in channel

Longshore drift across mouth meeting incoming  SW swell & outflow but small waves were entering up into estuary. Salt water (green) visible to start of estuary.  Salt water was also observed entering 14/06/17

Beach curved with high gradual slope.

Flow continues to reduce & a few small waves occasionally enter. Dark discharge out along foreshore to about 1/2 way along beach. Strong longshore drift across mouth

Extreme low water levels in estuary/channel  again -  even lower than on 20170601   G2  AHD   0.19 @ 11:46     G6  1.52 @   11:30.                                                 

Sandbar in estuary is not far away from projecting sand on south side below dunes leaving only a narrow flow channel. Large areas of sand are exposed on east side exposing sea grass partially covered by silt, algae & pale slick

Reducing outflow with some very small waves occasionally entering. Outflow meeting SW swell but being crossed over by longshore drift. Impact causing 'pulsing' at G2,Lt1 & upstream. Outflow travelling along beach front (about 50m wide) then turning out to sea near east end of beach. A large amount of sand seen in breakers.

Ocean beach is curved, front has been levelled out into gradual rise. Waves have been high up at last hi tide.

Water level in estuary & channel is very low & extremely large areas of sand have been left uncovered projecting north into estuary. Sand has been scoured out at entrance uncovering base of rocks & remains of original pile from early breakwater

Natural opening occurred overnight. Very strong dark & dirty outflow through a very wide opening 30- 40m., waves entering from SW swell & very strong longshore drift  crossing over outflow. Very dynamic whirlpool in outflow around & east of rocks. Wave action has caused 'pulsing' at G2 & Lt1

East side of channel has 3 - 4m high sheer side at entrance which reduces to about 1m. on meeting the estuary. This channel entry from estuary is also extremely wide.

Sand is continually collapsing into out flow also from wave action at entrance

Last hi tide mark on beach indicate waves have been over the berm almost up to dunes

Low track has almost drained but extremely large amounts of dead veg. remained piled high over the start of the track. OCR clear of water between bridge & camp ground but water remains in deep holes east of that area. Camp ground still has water in south & west areas

Mouth barred but swash line & sand indicate over topping at last hi tide. Front of estuary only about 32m from ocean. Water level high in estuary with some flooding upstream. No water over top track or any roads

Beach horseshoe shaped with deep N/S ridges from backwash, waves entering further in these areas. Part of 'sand cliffs' remain

Erosion continues along face of Pt Ronald where sand extends further out to sea than with previous closures

Dark discharge out but only around mouth.Waves entering intermittently down channel into estuary. Strong long shore drift across mouth, over SW swell & outflow

Sand build up has increased around mouth & along channel, also projects further into estuary

More erosion has occurred at south face of Pt Ronald also above channel close to entrance.

16 Coots on estuary & 1 Pacific Gull on Ocean beach

Flow is both in & out. The darker discharge is not visible - held back by incoming waves sending salt water (green) upstream of rocks. Long shore drift across mouth over outflow meeting SW/WSW swell - creating a whirl pool around rocks.

Waves are travelling far into the estuary over an unusual sand formation extending north alongside channel. Recent storms have created both wind & wave action that has re shaped dunes, beach & channel.

Beach has high slopping face- very high midway ( beach very curved) where waves are frequently over topping. (very high & very low tides occuring) A high sand projection at near east end extends far into sea where large areas of sand can be seen in backwash

24 Coots & 1 Black duck on estuary

Low visibility because of rain & mist

Very reduced outflow, discharge only around mouth. Channel from estuary has filled in, more shallow & narrow - about 8m. midway. Entrance has more sand build up east of rocks

Very strong long shore drift over outflow & incoming SW swell

Beach has high sand built up areas in a north south direction. Projections near east end & 2nd one close to entrance creating a horseshoe shape

Discharge out south & to east (difficult to estimate because of large amount of foam), outflow reducing but entrance remains very wide. Some waves from long shore drift & SW swell are entering down channel into estuary where only a small area of sandbar is exposed. Sand is building up at east side of entrance.

An extremely wide expanse of sand  has been exposed extending far north into the estuary  well past level with the Tunnel entrance. The sand is high near the channel/estuary entrance but becomes lower & silt covered toward SE corner where a 'skin' has formed across surface of shallow water.

Low track has drained -sea grass visible under shallow water . Iridescent slick in some shallow areas.

Camp ground, OCR & 2 areas at flood markers OOR have water. The area at OOR has large no. very small fish in excavated area near blocked culverts. Flats draining upstream