State of Maine's Beaches in 2009

Ferry Beach, Saco

Four beach profiles (FE01 to FE04, Figure 29) were available for comparison of pre-storm profile shape and post-Patriots' Day Storm impacts. It is important to note that the front stake at FE04 was lost during the storm, and profiling was re-established at a back stake. Beach profile data were available from March 31, 2006, March 22 and April 20, 2007 (immediately post-storm), April 15, 2008, and May 1, 2009.

FE01 = D

Figure 30

The pre-storm profile had a well developed dune that was completely eroded by the storm (Figure 30). The profile was flattened substantially and lost about 1m in dune elevation, though there was a gain in elevation in the offshore. By 2008, the profile had maintained its basic post-storm shape out to about 20 m, where it lost elevation in comparison with the post-storm shape. In 2009, the profile continued to lose elevation, including the dune crest. The profile does not appear to be recovering well.

FE02 = D

Figure 31

Similar to FE01, the dune crest was obliterated, and sediment deposited in the offshore portion of the profile (Figure 31). In 2008, the profile showed further erosion, transgressing farther landward along its length. There was minimal recovery of the profile by the 2009 monitoring date, with some elevation gains, especially within the berm area (40 m and landward). However, recovery never reached the post-storm profile shape, and was not considered satisfactory.

FE03 = F

Figure 32

Again, the profile's dune was completely eroded (Figure 32). The 2008 profile showed little recovery, and the 2009 profile showed little change from the 2008 shape. This profile has undergone continued erosion since the immediate post-storm shape, and recovery in 2008 and 2009 is relatively non-existent.

FE04 = A

Figure 33

The pre-storm profile was eroded somewhat, but it is important to note that the profile is from March 2007, since the Patriots' Day Storm subsequently eliminated the front stake at FE04. After the storm the back stake was the new starting point (Figure 33). In 2008, the profile was very flat and steep, with few discernable features. By 2009, however, the profile showed a large, well-developed dune crest, and excellent recovery. This gain likely relates to the construction of a dune restoration project by the Ferry Beach Park Association and local property owners.

Summary

Overall, the beach and dunes along Ferry Beach are struggling to recover from the impacts of the storm. Ferry Beach has not seen satisfactory levels of recovery. Artificial dune restoration dramatically helped the profile at FE04, though its impacts are not seen at FE01-FE03. Continued monitoring at these profiles is essential to tracking erosion rates.

Overall grade = C-

Contents Introduction Beach Responses Discussion Conclusions References

Last updated on November 19, 2009