Storm Rearranges Chatham Harbor Channels, Shoals

CHATHAM – Town officials are warning mariners to use caution when navigating Chatham Harbor’s North Inlet after last week’s nor’easter rearranged shoals and relocated the channel.

 The long-duration storm also altered the channel in the South Inlet, but not as drastically as the North Inlet, said Harbormaster Jason Holm.

 Most aids to navigation have been relocated to reflect the new conditions, he said. Although the main boating season has passed, there are still many mariners on the water; several boats grounded before channel markers could be moved, according to Holm.

 “Since we’ve moved the buoys around, I think that will alleviate the bulk of the problem,” he said.

 The North Inlet channel moved about 400 yards to the south, Holm said, where there is approximately 3.5 feet of clearance at low water. There is significant shoaling at the tip of North Beach Island as well. He did not have an estimate of depth at the South Inlet.

 It’s not unusual for channels and shoals to onshore during storms, especially those with high tides and long-duration winds, which gusted to nearly 60 miles per hour here. 

 “Anytime that you have those conditions present, you’re going to have changes,” Holm said.

 Six vessels came ashore in Chatham during the storm, but only one was damaged, he said. 

 Shoreline damage from the storm appeared to be minimal, according to Coastal Resilience Director Catherine Ricks. Officials were waiting for new aerial photos of the shore and waterways to further assess conditions.

 Conservation Agent Paul Wightman said that the southern end of North Beach sustained significant erosion and washovers, but that the erosion appears consistent with how the barrier beach responds to coastal storms.

 While the harbormaster department will continue to monitor the inlets and channels and relocate navigational aids when required, Holm reminded mariners that conditions in Chatham can change rapidly at this time of year.

 “Always use caution anytime you’re transiting our waterways, particularly the inlets,” he said.