State of Maine's Beaches in 2009

Wells Beach, Wells

Four beach profiles (WE00, WE02 to WE04, Figure 54) were available for analysis of beach recovery. Profile data were available from April 2, 2006, April 21, 2007 (immediate post-storm), April 12, 2008, and April 4, 2009.

WE00 = A

Figure 55

Located south of Casino Point, WE00 exhibited large amounts of erosion - up to about 50 cm - along the upper portion of the profile, from about 60 m and landward (Figure 55). A relatively large berm was completely removed by the storm. Offshore of the 60 m mark, there were few changes; this may relate to a hard substrate (cobble) bottom covered by a little sand. By 2008, the berm had returned, though it had a slightly steeper face up to the starting pin. The 2009 profile showed that recovery had occurred, with a berm forming that was larger than the previous one in 2006.

WE02 = A

Figure 56

Located north of Casino Point, WE02 lost beach elevation along its entire length, with the most notable losses (50 cm or more) between the 40-100 m offshore marks (Figure 56). The profile here is concave, with few berm or bar features. By 2008, the profile had recovered substantially - almost to the same shape as the pre-storm 2006 profile. By 2009, the beach had continued to recover, with over 60 cm of difference between the 2009 profile and the immediate post-storm profile, especially near the 40-50 m mark.

WE03 = A-

Figure 57

Profile WE03 is located south of the Webhannet River jetties. As a result of the storm, the upper portion of the profile (berm) was eroded, while there was some elevation gain in the middle portions of the profile (Figure 57). Recovery by 2008 occurred, with the profile gaining elevation along its entire length. Similarly, berm development was noted in the 2009 profile.

WE04 = A

Figure 58

WE04, directly adjacent to the Webhannet River jetties, actually underwent accretion in response to the Patriots' Day Storm, with substantial growth of the dune and upper berm (Figure 58). This growth actually continued in 2008, and into 2009, with additional elevation increases in the berm area.

Summary

Wells appears to have responded exceedingly well in terms of recovery from the Patriots' Day Storm. Growth occurred at all of the profile locations, especially at WE04, which actually underwent accretion in response to the storm. This is likely due to trapping of sediment alongside the Webhannet River jetties during, and after the storm event.

Overall grade = A

Contents Introduction Beach Responses Discussion Conclusions References

Last updated on November 19, 2009