State of Maine's Beaches in 2009

Western Beach, Scarborough

At Western Beach, profiling has been sporadic (Figure 17). Profile WS02 was lost in June of 2006, and reestablished as a different stake in a different location (as WS06) in February of 2007. Therefore, we will be using February 2007 as the first (pre-storm) profile for WS02/06. Consequently, profile WS01 was renamed as WS05, and WS03 as WS07 in February 2007. Data were available from April 29, 2006, April 19, 2007 (immediate post-storm), and March 18, 2008. No data were available in 2009.

WS01 (WS05) = B

Figure 18

WS01/05 is located along Ferry Beach (Figure 18), which is sheltered and along the Scarborough River. The 2006 profile underwent minimal changes as a result of the storm. In fact, it appears that lower portions of the profile actually gained elevation immediately post-storm. By 2008, some additional elevation gain was noted.

WS02 (WS06) = A

Figure 19

WS02/06 is also located in a sheltered area (Figure 19). The pre-storm profile, which is from April 2006, was positively impacted by the Patriots' Day Storm. The profile gained elevation along its entire length, especially between the 35-55 m marks. It also gained elevation at the dune crest. In 2008, the upper portion of the profile - from about 30 m and landward - continued to gain elevation, including the dune crest. However, the offshore portion of the profile lost some elevation.

WS03 (WS07) = C

Figure 20

At WS03, which is located on the more exposed Western Beach (Figure 20), the profile underwent large losses of sediment and subsequent elevation along its entire length. Large, well developed dunes were lost, as was a well defined berm (between about 25-35 m offshore). The post-storm profile was flat, and had few beach features. The 2008 profile showed some recovery, along the upper portion of the profile, landward from about the 25 m mark. Seaward of this, the profile had not recovered from the post-storm shape.

Summary

Ferry Beach appears to have fared very well during the Patriots' Day Storm, with the storm actually leading to growth along the profile. The Western Beach side underwent large amounts of erosion from the storm, with only slight recovery. Erosion of the beach nourishment along Western Beach has been noted for some time, with subsequent growth on the Ferry Beach side. Continued profiling at these sites would be prudent to help monitor the potential continued loss of sediment along Western Beach, and continued growth at Ferry Beach.

Overall grade = C+

Contents Introduction Beach Responses Discussion Conclusions References

Last updated on November 19, 2009