Dangerous shifting sands follow storm

 

Mangawhai Harbour Restoration Society (MHRS) reports that the large storm that sat over us last week eroded the dunes on the Northern tip of Mangawhai sand spit, washing the sand into the inlet, constricting the inlet channel.

Inspection of the inlet channel on July 17 revealed that the increased current velocity caused by the narrowing of the inlet is causing large quantities of sand to be scoured from this area of the inlet.

Sand is being flushed out of the inlet and deposited on the offshore bar off the mouth of the inlet. Local authorities are urging boaties to use extra caution when approaching the offshore bar.

The situation has caused considerable concern within the community says MHRS spokesperson Loraine Hartley.

“It will likely become shallower in the near term as this newly deposited sand is swept from the throat of the inlet and the inlet channel widens again. As much as the MHRS wishes to resolve the issue, it is not possible for the dredge to work safely on the offshore bar, and the currents presently caused by the constricted inlet channel make it very dangerous.”

Expert opinion is saying the safest course of action is to let nature clear the inlet.

The MHRS will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates.

Keen local observer Christine Silvester sent this photo to the Focus with a low tide view of the northern end of the Mangawhai wildlife refuge. Christine says she hasn’t seen such a rapid movement of sand across the entrance since 1990 when cyclone Bola completely closed off the channel.