State of Maine's Beaches in 2009

Goose Rocks Beach, Kennebunkport

Four beach profiles (GR01 to GR04, Figure 34) were available for comparison of pre-storm profile shape and post-Patriots' Day Storm impacts. It is important to note that all starting stakes were lost in the storm; however, new stakes were established by volunteers in approximate previous locations. Beach profile data were available from April 5 and 6, 2006, April 21 and 23, 2007 (immediately post-storm), April 14 and 15, 2008, and April 4 and 7, 2009.

GR01 = B-

Figure 35

This profile is located adjacent to the Batson River, at the southwest end of the beach (Figure 35). The immediate post-storm profile underwent apparent recovery by 2008 with the formation of numerous swash bars, which dramatically raised the elevation of the upper portion of the profile, and along most of the remainder of the profile. In 2009, the upper portion of the profile continued to grow, while the lower portion remained somewhat similar to the immediate post-storm profile, with its middle portion being lower in elevation than the post-storm profile.

GR02 = A

Figure 36

GR02 is located in the central portion of the southern embayment of Goose Rocks Beach (Figure 36). Starting with the post-storm profile, dramatic recovery occurred in 2008, with the development of a well-defined berm. Additional recovery of the upper portion of the berm and in the offshore portion of the profile occurred by 2009, indicating excellent recovery within the two-year post-storm period.

GR03 = C-

Figure 37

Most likely due to starting stake loss, the data for the April 2007 profile at GR03 did not appear to be recorded correctly (Figure 37). Therefore, we used the May 21, 2007 profile data as our post-storm profile. The storm clearly eroded sediment from the profile along its length out to approximately 100 m offshore. Noted recovery occurred in 2008, with the profile developing a well-defined berm, and elevation increase along the length of the profile. However, the profile was eroded by April 2009. A high berm remained, but the offshore portion of the profile was at elevations below the 2007 post-storm profile. This may be due to an early April 2009 storm. Based on 2008 recovery, we would give GR03 an A, but based on the 2009 profile, it would receive a C-, as this kind of response suggests that the profile is now vulnerable to additional storm events.

GR04 = B

Figure 38

GR04 is adjacent to the inlet of the Little River, at the northeast end of the beach. The post-storm profile indicates that dramatic beach lowering and erosion occurred, with over 1 m of elevation loss in the offshore (near the 300 m mark, Figure 38). Dramatic recovery occurred by 2008, with the profile undergoing extensive elevation gains. In 2009, the upper portion of the profile increased in elevation; however, the offshore portion (seaward of 90 m) underwent erosion along its entire length. Although this loss did occur, the 2009 profile was only lower in elevation at one point along its length than the immediate post-storm profile, and though it did not maintain the 2008 shape, it did represent good recovery.

Summary

Overall, Goose Rocks Beach recovered relatively well from the storm. There is dramatic variation in profile shapes at the end members (GR01 and GR04) due to influence of the adjacent rivers. Profiles at Goose Rocks appear to have been influenced by storms in early 2009, which may account for the lowered profile shapes, and subsequently lower scores.

Overall grade = B-

Contents Introduction Beach Responses Discussion Conclusions References

Last updated on November 19, 2009