Unusually low tide affects some WA ferry routes

VASHON ISLAND, Wash. - An unusually low tide in western Washington is affecting some local ferry routes, specifically those around Vashon Island.

A low tide warning is in effect until May 28 for the Fauntleroy/Vashon, Southworth/Vashon and Point Defiance/Tahlequah Washington State Ferries (WSF) routes.

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) also warns the low tide can cause the ferry loading ramps to have a steep slope. This means certain vehicles should avoid the ferry to avoid being damaged, including:

• Trucks with less than 14 inches of ground clearance
• RVs with low clearance
• Vehicles towing trailers

Drivers are encouraged to find alternate routes or wait until the tide is higher.

The Edmonds/Kingston route is also affected on Friday by low tides and unexpected maintenance.

According to WSF, these are the ferry times that should be avoided due to low tide:

• May 10: 11:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. (-3.0 feet)
• May 11: 12:30 to 3:15 p.m. (-2.5 feet)
• May 12: 2 to 3:30 p.m. (-1.5 feet)
• Wednesday, May 22: 10:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (-1.3 feet)
• Thursday, May 23: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (-2.0 feet)
• Friday, May 24: 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (-2.5 feet)
• Saturday, May 25: 11:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. (-2.7 feet)
• Sunday, May 26: noon to 3 p.m. (-2.7 feet)
• Monday, May 27: 1 to 3:45 p.m. (-2.4 feet)
• Tuesday, May 28: 2:15 to 4:15 p.m. (-1.8 feet)

There are no restrictions on the Mukilteo/Clinton route. The Port Townsend/Coupeville route sometimes cancels sailings during extreme low tides, but no cancelations are planned for this event.

Learn more about low tide warnings on the WSDOT website. To buy a ferry ticket or make a reservation, visit the WSF website.

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