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Arhe Center for Marine and Coastal Studies - North Carolina State University Coastal Zonej information Center A HISTORICAL REVIEW OF SOME OF CDASUSI, ZONE NORTH CAROLINA'S COASTAL INLETS by Jay Langfelder, elf a( Tom French, Richard McDonald and Richard Ledbetter /Report No. 74-1 op Ilk GB 459.4 H57 1974 A HISTORICAL REVIEW OF SOME OF NORTH CAROLINA'S COASTAL INLETS by Jay Langfelder, Tom French, Richard McDonald and Richard Ledbetter U - S . DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NOAA COASTAL SERVICES CENTER 2234 SOUTH HOBSON AVENUE CHARLESTON , SC 29405-2413 Report No. 74-1 Center for Marine and Coastal Studies North Carolina State University Raleigh, N. C. January 1974 csc LibrazY property Of 7ZJ- INTRODUCTION Inlets that exist through sandy barrier islands are subject to considerable migration as a result of wave forces and littoral currents. Many inlets seem to go through stages much like rivers in that they change shape and location and then return to an earlier and more youth- full stage. Apart from the obvious navigation problems associated with changes in inlet shape and location, these migrations can cause consid- erable loss of property adjacent to the inlet. The purpose of this study is to review the historical record of most of North Carolina's inlets as indicated by aerial photographs dating back to 1938. A knowl- edge of the historical behavior of the inlets is useful when attempting to predict the future migrations of these same inlets. It is fully ap- preciated that the historical movements of the inlets, as indicated by the aerial photographs, are certainly limited in that they merely repre- sent the inlets at specific times when the photography was actually made. Very significant changes in inlet configuration can occur quite rapidly, and therefore, important changes could have occurred between successive photographs. However, the photographs do present an accurate description of the inlet at the time the photographs were made. This report is intended to be mainly a photographic display of the history of most of North Carolina's inlets. A brief description and various measurements that were made on the inlets are also included. The difficulty of numerically characterizing the changes in inlet con- figuration should be recognized, since the values that are obtained are highly dependent on the actual locations of the measurement points. However, the data tables are considered useful for obtaining a general pattern of inlet behavior. STUDY PROCEDURE A series of aerial photographs were studied for each inlet,south of Cape Lookout for the maximum periods 1938 to 1971 or 1972. In most cases six photographs were aveilable for each inlet. Where a scale is approximately the same for each photograph, the inlets have been aligned in a horizontal direction so that inlet migration can readily be seen on the photography. Since, in most cases, the scale is approximately the same, the relative size of the inlet during any time is also readily visible. The table of inlet characteristics for each inlet indicates the gorge width and the change in the gorge width, the channel width and the change in the channel width, and the migration of both the gorge and channel. The gorge is defined as the location along the channel that has the narrowest cross-section. The channel is defined as the deeper portion of the inlet at the gorge where the majority of flow occurs. The gorge width and channel width are both indicated in terms of feet, whereas the changes in gorge and channel width are indicated in feet per year. The total migration can be obtained by multiplying the migration in feet per year by the number of years between successive photography. Net migration of the gorge of each inlet is given at the bottom of each table with maximum movements occurring during any one continuous period also shown. 3 The measurements that are included in the tables were obtained, in most cases, from enlarged rectified photographs which allowed more ac- curate measurements to be made. In the columns,where migration is indicated the symbols S, W, N, and E are used.to indicate the direction of migration. Since most of the inlets arenot actually north and south or east and west, the direction corresponding closest to the direction of movement has been used. In addition to the above, the report presents information on each individual inlet. In general, some description of the inlet, something about migration trends, and future trends are included. Quite obviously, the information on future trends was developed from the results of this historical study and is merely intended to indicate possible future trends. Certainly, more study should be made of migration trends before management decisions are based on these results. Figure One presents the location of each of the inlets that are discussed in the remainder of the report. The information on the inlets is presented starting with the southernmost in*let in North Carolina and proceeding northward. 4 V I R G I N I A HERTFORD o*4* E A T lE OREGON Wk3MlNGTD /-INLET TYRRELI N@- I AI A@ CRAVEN \-HATERAS INLET JONES \-DRUM INLET .-C. ATERE T BOG EINL T BALREDTEN BEAR IN E LBEAUFORT BROWN INLET INLET NEW RIVER INLET \-NEW TOPSAIL INLET \@-OLD TOPSAIL INLET RICH INLET QUEENS INLET WRIGHTSVILLE INLET (CLOSED) BRUN31NICK MASONBORO INLET rj CAROLINA BEACH INLET NEW INLET \\,-CORNCAKE INLET CAPE FEARINLET LOCKWOOD FOLLY INLET SHALLOTTE INLET TUBBSINLET MAD INLET FIGURE I - LOCATION OF NORTH CAROLINA'S INLETS 5 MAD INLET Description Mad Inlet is the southernmost inlet in North Carolina and is also one of the smallest inlets on the North Carolina coast. Its average width is approximately 400 to 800 feet. It is bounded on the south by Bird Island and on the north by Sunset Beach. Bird Island to the south of the inlet consists of a low,sandy area which is subjected to periodic flooding during periods of high tide. It generally lacks vegetative cover and appears to be easily erodible. Sunset Beach to the east general-ly consists of some- what higher ground. Mad Inlet presently has an "S" shaped configuration and is extremely long compared to its width. The major flow through Mad Inlet comes from the marshes directly behind the inlet and from two drainage channels, Blane Creek and Salt Boiler Creek, which drain the inlet and also connect with the Intercoastal Waterway to the north. Migra-tion Trends The general trend of Mad Inlet has been to migrate from the east to the west. As the length of the Inlet becomes excessive, and probably associated with a storm condition, a breakthrough can occur to the east. This produced *the sand island that can be seen in the 1956 ph.otography. S.ince the general littoral drift in this area is to the west, this sand island eventually merges into the high ground to the west. The maximum gorge movement that occured during any successive increments between photo- graphy is about 2813 feet to the east or 444 feet per year between 1949- 1956. This movement was caused by a breaching of the Inlet to the north. The net movement of the Inlet from 1938 to 1972 has been 610 feet to the east. It can be noted from the figure that the configuration of the Inlet in 1972 is essentially the same as the configuration in 1949. Future Trends It appears that Mad Inlet will contiOue to migrate to the west and retain the "S" shape characteristic because of the reversals in littoral drift. Based on the similarity of the position in 1949 and 1972, it appears certain that this Inlet will breech the island to the east and form a oew one as was observed in the 1956 photography. INLET CHARACTERISTICS Year Gorge Gorge Average Channel Migration Of Migration Of Net Gorge Net Channel Width Width Channel Width Gorge W side Gorge N side Migration Migration (ft) Change Width Change (ft/yr) (ft/yr) (ft/yr) (ft/yr) (ft/yr) (ft) (ft/yr) 1938 660 -9 248 7 12 W 23 W 17 W 7 W 1949 552 1949 552 29 265 -7 457 N 430 E 444 E 461 E 1956 736 1956 736 21 333 36 162 W 128 W 145 W 91 W 1961 840 1961 840 -19 300 -49 204 W 223 W 213 W 237 W 1�66 745 1966 745 57 219 9 84 W 150 W 117 W 96 W 1972 411 Net Gorge Migration 155(ft) E Maximum Gorge Migration 2813(ft) E (1949-1956) 6 MAD INLET -93 8 Fal, IF X 2, ly v R Rf -d, 194,9" @,k 7- ,d- N Rawdr Alp, F ,g Aqyd @i ul wr @p4 N tU NO @ As F, @jps U-Nuid At 1961 4, t@7,, j6, gg to g-unq A J* g g, A-, Ir, Se A 231-up of 41%, P F MWO, VDN-,@ 1 "A @g xx Fu K OM -,,N All Vdl. A W, Nl 1. @ M 9 @,Ulm -W - X IN R"k V 1972, -A, N Ad i Q@ 4 -R, 'S Ok& WATE,,@,-X 0 A, L E TUBBS INLET Description Tubbs Inlet is located just east of Mad Inlet in Brunswick County and is approximately 1450 feet in width. Sunset Beach is located to the west, and Ocean Isle Beach is located to the east. The Ocean Isle Beach is a long, low, narrow sand spit built from the east-west littoral flow. On the Sunset Beach side of the Inlet a low unvegetated sand spit presently exists. Migration Trends From 1938 to 1966, the Inlet showed a steady westernly migration of over 1800 feet west. During this period, the gorge of Tubbs Inlet was generally decreasing in width,'from about 1750 feet in 193@ to 719 feet in 1966. In 1969, the Inlet was dredged closed and later reopened at approximately the same location as the 1938 position or about one half mile to the east. Since the Inlet was reopened in 1969 it appears to be widening. Future Trends It is difficult to determine if littoral drift will again cause mi- grations similar to the previous ones, but it is likely. When migrations occur, they probably will be similar, if not faster, due to lack of vegetation on the west boundary. Therefore, it can be anticipated that the Inlet will migrate to a location similar to its location in 1966. INLET CHARACTERISTICS Year Gorge Gorge Average Channel Migration Of Migration Of Net Gorge Net Channel Width Width Channel Width Gorge W side Gorge E side Migration Migration (ft) Change Width Change (ft/yr) (ft/yr) (ft/yr) (ft/yr) (ft/yr) (ft) (ft/yr) 1938 1754 -66 432 11 7 E 59 W 26 W 15 W 1949 985 1949 985 -66 368 -41 52 W 117 W 85 W 80 W 1956 556 1956 556 62 334 37 112 W 70 W 91 W 100 W 1961 865 1961 865 -31 515 35 103 W 118 W 110 W 88 W 1966 719 1966 719 122 465 -47 *This inlet was closed in 1969 by pumping of dredge spoil and 1972 1452 was opened by dredging and blasting later in 1969 at approx- imately the same location as it existed in 1938. Total Gorge Migration (ft) 1849 S/W Maximum Gorge Migration (ft) 1849 W (1938-1966) 8 TUBBS INLET 193 8 ; @pw 4N #'Ooo,@ 7 1949 . . ...... .. ... 1956 "a, L- 1972 la A WAT @S,'- SHALLOTTE INLET Description Shallotte Inlet is bounded on the west by Ocean Isle Beach and on the east by Big Beach. Its gorge has averaged from 950-1300 feet in width. It is generally a short inlet compared to its width. In the 1972 photographs the main channel showed a marked easternly flow with the offshore bar indicating a easterly littoral drift. Big Beach is a narrow island with very little vegetation, al- though it has a rather substantial marsh area behind the beach. Ocean Isle Beach is somewhat wider with some areas of denser vegetation than Big Beach. Shallotte River, Saucepan Creek and the western branch of the Intracoastal Waterway empty into the Inlet. The primary flow comes from the Shallotte River and the western section of the Intra- coastal Waterway. Migration Trends This Inlet has moved very slowly back and forth from east to west with no general trend toward the east or the west. There are two char- acteristics of the Inlet, however, that have changed over the last forty years: the location of offshore bar and the amount of cut-back the islands suffer from the Inlet. Since 1938 the direction of the main channel has been shifting to ' a more easterly direction on the ocean side of the Inlet. This has caused a movement of the offshore from the west side of the Inlet to the east side of the Inlet. The shoreline on each side of the Inlet has experienced shoreline erosion for a considerable distance. Future Trends On Big Beach, the zone of migration extends up to the area of the 1956 washover, and it is possible that under severe storm conditions a new inlet might open here. On Ocean Isle, the zone only extends a couple of hundred feet west of the present end of Ocean Isle Beach. There is a potential danger of beach front erosion if the offshore channel changes its direction, which it may well do. West to east littoral drift will occur for a while as indicated by recent photography and will then probably stabilize or reverse flow again. INLET CHARACTERISTICS Year G?rge Gorge Average Channel Migration Of Migration Of Net Gorge Net Channel Width Width Channel Width Gorge S/W side Gorge N/E side Migration Migration (ft) Change Width Change (ft/yr.) (ft/yr) (ft/yr) (ft/yr) (ft/yr) (ft) (ft) 1938 1314 -46 722 -27 17 W 58 W 38 W 28 W 1949 858. 1949 858 6 563 -4 10 W 17 W 13 W 18 W 1956 901 1956 901 34 456 -37 12 E 42 E 27 E 33 E 1961 1073 1961 1073 -29 358 -2 40 W 66 W 53 W 35 W 1966 929 1966 929 11 581 77 10 E 19 E 15 E 62 E 1972 993 Total Gorge Migration (ft) 544 S/W Maximum Migration (ft) 506 S/W (1938-1956) 10 SHALLOTTE INLET 8 '@t'o5 1949 J956 x Rp 1961, 4,@ N77K 'Aa .1966, -A LOCKWOOD FOLLY INLET Description Lockwood Folly Inlet is located in the vicinity of'Lockwood Foll y River which feeds the Inlet by way of two channels. It is bounded on the east by Long Beach and on the west by Holden's Beach. Both beach fronts are presently suffering erosion from the Inlet. In 1972 the Inlet was approximately 800 feet wide and the main channel was on the eastern side of the gorge. Migration Trends The position of the Inlet appears.to be rather stable with the west side experiencing only small movements. The east side is ex- periencing greater movements as the Inlet narrows and widens. Over the 34 year period studied, this.Inlet has averaged less than 4 feet per year in a westwardly direction with a net movement of 115 feet to the west. Between 1949-1956, Long Beach was breeched, and a new inlet was formed east of Lockwood Folly Inlet. Holden's Beach was cut back a little more, but some spoil was placed on the north-east corner. The offshore bar diminished in size, and the channel was able to penetrate the bar. Between 1956-1961, the new inlet disappeared, and the offshore sand bar was less pronounced. The inlet also widened during this period. Future Trends The position of this Inlet appears to be relatively stable and is controlled, no doubt, by the location of Lockwood Folly River. How- ever, since the River flow is divided by an island behind the present location of the Inlet, there is a possibility that a new inlet could again be formed approximately in th3 location of the inlet that existed in 1956. Since this area is now developed, it would be more difficult for such an Inlet to form than it has been in the past. It is unlikely that the Inlet will experience considerable movement to the west. INLET CHARACTERISTICS Year Gorge Gorge Average Channel Migration Of Migration Of Net Gorge Net Channel Width Width Channel Width Gorge W side Gorge E side Migration Migration (ft) Change Width Change (ft/yr) (ft/yr) (ft/yr) (ft/yr) (ft/yr) (ft) (ftlyr) 1938 870 48 648 14 4 W 43 E 20 E 5 E 1949 1430 1949 1430 -95 454 -87 5 W 99 W 52 W 49 W 1956 826 1956 826 24 347 70 14 W 18 E 2 E 26 E 1961 941 1961 941 196 665 58 16 W 171 E 78 E 40 E 1966 1958 1966 1958 -198 584 -87 26 E 173 W 75 W 20 E 1972 793 Total Gorge Migration (ft) 115 W Maximum Gorge Migration (ft) 441 W (1966-1972) 12 LOCKWOOD FOLLY INLET 1938 949 lq V v;v- 1956 ly 1961 T 9 AAF X-21 P 1972 4 I WM-@ @77 -Ig f 13 CAPE FEAR INLET Description Cape Fear Inlet is one of the widest inlets of North Carolina with an average width of over a mile. It is fed by the Cape Fear River and is located in east Brunswick County. The Inlet is bound on the west by Fort Caswell and Caswell Beach and on the east by Smith Island. This Inlet depth is maintained by dredging. It appears to be very stable with strong flow from the Cape Fear River. Migration Trends Migration is almost negligable compared to the size of the Inlet. Most of the erosion and accretion does appear to be in the area of Fort Caswell, with the maximum accretion being 44 ft/yr between 1956-1961. The eastern side has, experienced essentially no migration due t1o a barrier provided by Smith Island. It should be noted that the migration of the Inlet has been well back of the south face of Smith Island, which tends to have a protective effect on the stability of.the Inlet. Future Trends It i,,Little change can be expected to occur in the location of this Inlet. relatively stable and is steadily maintained by dredging for pur- poses of navigation. INLET CHARACTERISTICS Year Gorge Gorge Channel Channel Migration Of Migration Of Net Gorge Net Channel Width Width Width Width Gorge W side Gorge E side Migration Migration (ft Change (ft) Change (ft/yr) (ft/yr) (ft/yr) (ft/yr) (ft/yr) (ft/yr) 1949 6015 -28 3946 5 31 E 6 W 12 E 12 W 1956 5821 1956 5821 -23 3805 -64 44 E 1 W 22 E 11 E 1961 5706 1961 5706 16 3354 -53 6 W 4 W 5 W 40 E 1972 5880 Total Gorge Migration (ft) 133 E Maximum Gorge Migration (ft) 187 E (1949-1961) 14 CAPE FE,&R INLET, 1956, ez- tP"" ,A, P P'R',-,O,'.k-'t 15 CORNCAKE Description Corncake was at one time a fairly wide inlet whi ch began silting around 1938 and was almost completely shut off by 1956. Located at the southern part of New'Hanover, it is fed by the Cape Fear River and is bound on both sides by low sandy beaches with little vegetation. Migration Trends Corncake is presently closed. However, when it was open, it experienced a strong south-westerly migration of over 1500 feet between 1938 to 1949, aft& which it became shallow, and flow and migration seemed to cease. Future Trends Corncake at one time was moving southernly at a high rate due to strong littoral drift from north-east to south-west which created a large sand spit. Increased silting and vegetation growth probably stopped much of the flow from the Cape Fear side. Since New Inlet is just to the north and was moving south at a high rate, it probably took over what little flow Corncake was receiving from the Cape Fear River. New Inlet may continue moving south until it reaches the location of the old Corncake Inlet. It may possibly become a new Corncake in the same location if it breaches through to the north. INLET CRARACTERISTICS Year Gorge Gorge Channel Channel Migration Of Migration Of Net Gorge Net Channel Width Width Width Width Gorge S side Gorge N side Migration Migration (ft) Change (ft) Change (ft yr) (ft/yr) (ft/yr) (ft/yr) (ft/yr) (ft/yr) 1938 901 -8 447 -9 135 S 143 S 139 S 144 S 1949 814 1949 814 -39 243 -45 66 N 18 N 42 N 90 N 1956 546 1956 Closed shortly thereafter Total Gorge Migration (ft) 1244 S Maximum Gorge Migration (ft) 1534 S (1938-1949) 16 CAPE FEAR INLET 1961 f 19 7 2 p NO R, l@,Z _Mal vp% lw4 4, M . p IP, A v -ur W?re,@" A P P R 0 Y, 1, M'A,Tlt',, gS,- MW CORNCAKE INLET 7-7 1938 'M M M'N -UPMRM . ..... ahr it juv@ HO U, u MOR 9HP 1949 4@n vw T'l T -Vw44oH;@ R: j, m j Opp SAN, I 'mP UZI$ VM`lix; r@ ZU I al, RM Hill Big pvl@@ EMU iAi!,ve I 'N I Fun -@- 1956 MV, "Al TU a W .......... im 1", tllil @.,@Ylx%,,,A -o1 is CA EPA- 170-'_-X -fl M@, 7T; 17 NEW INLET Description New Inlet opened sometime after 1938 as evidenced by 1938 photo- graphy. Early in its existence the Inlet was wide with a poorly defined channel and gorge, which have since narrowed extremely and have become better defined. The present gorge and channel are located just north- east of the old Corncake location. They are bound by low sandy areas on- both sides with sparse land and vegetation behind. Cape Fear River sup- plies the fresh water flow for this Inlet. Migration Trends New Inlet has experienced the greatest migration of any Inlet studied. It has migrated to the south over seven thousand feet in approximately 23 years. The channel and gorge appear to be better defined and more stable than in previous times. Future Trends It appears that this Inlet will continue to migrate in a southernly direction' although the length of the inlet is becoming quite long. This would increase the probability of an inlet breakthrough to the north of the present location with the subsequent shoaling of the present inlet. The southernly migration would probably continue after a possible new inlet was formed. INLET CHARACTERISTICS Year Gorge Gorge Channel Channel Migration Of Migration Of Net Gorge Net Channel Width Wi dth Width Width Gorge S side Gorge N side Migration Migration (ft) Change (ft) Change (ft/yr) (ft/yr) (ft/yr) (ft/yr) (ft/yr) (ft/yr) 1949 603 60 283 5 345 S 287 S 316 S 251 S 1956 1016 1956 1016 58 282 -8 279 S 216 S 247 S 231 S 1960 1284 1960 1284 -88 164 -6 296 S 370 S 337 S 343 S 1972 300 Total Gorge Migration (ft) 7112 S Maximum Gorge Migration (ft) 7112 S (1949-1972) 18 NEW INLET 1949 _0 v N TI) -Will, V, R11 R: HEM 1956, RU k ma" "Ad Als-H-13,11", 1960 U, 'X $v H, M-1-1 MO- 14: o. Tmf@ -Mu fl "M- 19 CAROLINA BEACH INLET Description Carolina Beach-Inlet is located in New Hanover County at the north end of Carolina Beach. The gorge of the Inlet averages about 530 feet with a width in 1972 of approximately 670 feet. Migration Trends - The Inlet is a relatively new Inlet because it was opened in 1952. From 1956, the Inlet seems to be generally moving to the north-west at about 23 feet per year. It has, however, changed its characteristics since 1956. In 1956, the Inlet had two openings separated by a small marsh island with a rim of beach sand. The northern channel was narrow and winding while the one to the south was sl-ightly wider and fairly straight. By 1960, the southern channel had shortened and widened and moved north approximately 20-30 feet. The northern channel had almost completely disappeared except for a small trickle over the beach front. South of the main channel there appeared to be several small washover areas. In 1960, the mouth of the Inlet had a funnel shape, but by 1966 most of the funnel shape of the Inlet was gone. The small washover areas had also completely disappeared. There was a small amount of accretion on the north side and some slight erosion on the south side of the Inlet. By 1972, the gorge of the Inlet had moved inland, and the seaward end of the Inlet had widened considerably. There seems to be some accretion on the north side and erosion on the south side of the Inlet taking place. Future Trends This Inlet seems to be moving toward the north at about 23 feet per year. The barrier islands on either side of the Inlet are subject to occasional storm overwashes which are evident in some areas.. It would thus appear that the Inlet could move in either direction several hundred feet depending on the severity of the weather conditions. INLET CHARACTERISTICS Year Gorge Gorge Channel Channel Migration Of Migration Of Net Gorge Net Channel Width Width Width Width Gorge S side Gorge N side Migration Migration (ft) Change (ft) Change (ft/yr) (ft/yr) (ft/yr) (ft/yr) (ft/yr) (ft/yr) 1956 507 -26 316 -36 35 N 16 N 25 N 29 N 1960 385 1960 385 32 209 -10 24 N 58 N 41 N 50 N 1966 557 1966 557 19 366 60 5 S 14 N 4 N 6 N 1972 667 Total Gorge Migration (ft) 361 N Maximum Gorge Migration (ft) 361 N (1956-1972) 20 CAROLINA BEACH INLET 1956 1 INMa. -Ai UP, 1960 f tQ U!'s 1966 i'iik M t @jg I @llm . . .... .... . .. 1972 I'l- Ric V AR m?w UH, .'" - 9 @6O QM U 8 EMU Un. 21 MASONBORO INLET Description Masonboro Inlet is located in central New HanoVer County at the south end of Wrightsville Beach. Hewlett Creek and Bradley Creek connect the Inlet to the Intracoastal Waterway. The gorge of the Inlet has varied from about 850 to 3575 feet in width and is extremely short compared to its width. The Inlet is bounded on the north by Wrightsville Beach and on the south by Masonboro Island. The south end of Wrightsville Beach has been artificially stabilized by a jetty. The north side of the Inlet has, therefore, remained relatively stable compared to the south side which has experienced considerable movement, particularly, between 1938-1961. There is evidence of storm overwash in the area south of the present Inlet. Migration Trends From 1938 to 1961, the major movement of the Inlet was in the migration of the south side which first causes the Inlet to widen, form a secondary.channel, and finally narrow. In 1965, a long jetty was constructed on the Wrightsville Beach side of the Inlet, and an artificial dune was built up on the ocean side of the island. From 1961 to 1966, Wrightsville Beach was experiencing a small amount-of accretion, and-Masonboro Island was suffering erosion on the ocean side next to the Inlet. From '1966 to 1972, this Inlet migrated to the north with the channel presently located adjacent to the jetty. Future Trends The stabilizing jetty on the north side of the Inlet will ob- viously prevent any significant amount of northernly migration. Since the Inlet has been partially stabilized and is periodically dredged, it is unlikely that the Inlet will widen significantly. The jetty on the north significantly reduces the southern littoral flow and; therefore, relatively small southernly migration may be -anticipated in the future. INLET CHARACTERISTICS Year Gorge Gorge, Average Channel Migration Of Migration Of Net Gorge Net Channel Width Width Channel Width Gorge S side Gorge N side Migration Migration (ft) Change Width Change (ft/yr) (ft/yr) (ft/yr) (ft/yr) (ft/yr) (ft) (ft/yr) 1938 1276 +180 846 39 151 S 14 N 68 S 25 S 1949 3363 1949 3363 -33 917 -48 21 S 13 N 4 S 195 S 1956 3576 1956 3576 -420 890 52 447 N 27 N 237 N 190 N 1961 1556 1961 1556 -68 495 -53 16 N 54 S 19 S 42 N 1966 1205 1966 1205 -61 282 48 97 N 34 N 65 N 34 N 1972 846 Total Gorge Migration (ft) 610 N Maximum Gorge Migration (ft) 1424 N (1956-1972) 22 MASONBORO INLET 1938 2-7 7-1 WX 1949 NA 1961 966 1972 TA zd W'Pk'VWd-)Cl--'MA 23 QUEENS INLET (MASON INLET) Description Queens Inlet is bound on the south side by Wrightsville Beach and on the north side by'Figure Eight Island. The southern end of Figure Eight Island has recently been modified by dredging. This end of the island has minimal vegetative cover but has recently bndergone extensive development. The northern end of Wrightsville Beach has high land elevations close to the end.of the Inlet. The Inlet was about 900 feet in width in 1972 and is fed by three major channels: Page Creek, Howe Creek, and one connected only to the Intracoastal Waterway. Migration Trends Queens Inlet seems to be moving generally north to south; however the dramatic change in curvature of the Inlet indicates littoral drift is acting to influence the shape of the Inlet. From 1938 to 1949 and from 1956 to 1960, southernly migration was significant. Between 1938-' 1960, the sand spit from Figure Eight Island was extending southward continuously. This movement forced the channel to the south, eroding the end of the sand spit next to Wrightsville Beach. From 1960 to 1965, there was a reversal of the trend, and the Inlet migrated about 230 feet to the north. Page Creek, which @uns into Middle Sound at the back of Figure Eight Island, was almost silted in by 1966; however, dredging before 1972 has reopened Page Creek. Howe Creek has a straight run through the Inlet, had a deep channel and was fairly clear of bars in 1966. By 1972, after Page Creek was dredged out almost completely, Howe Creek had begun to silt up. Thechannel is now about the same width as the gorge.. Future Trends It can be expected that Queens Inlet will continue tor migrate to the south due to the predominant southernly littoral drift. F'Airly high ground exists rather close to the south of the Inlet, and the Inlet does not have a history of extremely rapid movement to the south; there- fore, it would be expected that relatively slow southernly migration can be expected to continue for some time. INLET CHARACTERISTICS Year Average Gorge Average Channel Migration Of Migration Of Net Inlet Net Channel Gorge Width Channel Width Gorge S side Gorge N side Migration Migration Width Change Width Change (ft/yr) (ft/yr) (ft/yr) (ft/yr) (ft) (ft/yr) (ft/yr) (ft/yr) 1938 606 129 271 7 147 S 22 S 85 S 86 S 1949 2100 1949 2100 '88 251 -19 61 S 160 S 110 S 31 S 1956 1540 1956 1540 -139 162 -13 91 S 245 S 168 S 265 S 1960 892 1960 892 20 141 3 37 N 48 N 42 N 66 N 1966 996 1966 996 -20 356 67 4 N 15 S 6 S 50 S 1972 876 Total Groge Migration (ft) 2278 S Maximum Gorge Migration (ft) 2471 S (1938-1960) 24 QUEEN S INLET A", Whauki 1940 7g,77 0 1956 N'SIF file 1,1M Ml -D . .. . .... ... ... ... 1960 Mll m Mi, "17 1966 He A 14 klka N_ M In- -.0 T 77, MAM 4:1 ..... .... . .. .... .... ... .... 25 RICH INLET Description Rich Inlet is located on the Pender,Count - New Hanover Count y y line with Figure.Eight Island to the south. The gorge of the Inlet has recently averaged about 2000 to 2500 feet in width. The Inlet is short compared to its width with the major flow through the Inlet coming from the marshes behind the Inlet and two natural channels, Nixon and Green, which connect it to the Intracoastal Waterway. The island to the north has recently become considerably more vege- tated close to the Inlet. A curved sand spit existed on the south side of the Inlet in 1972. The channel is presently (1972) rather narrow and is located on the north side of the Inlet.. Migration Trends The south side of the Inlet is generally migrating to the south, even though the main channel has recently been on the north side of the gorge. Significant changes in the size of the Inlet have occurred particularly between 1949 and 1960. During this period, as well as from 1966 to 1972, there has been considerable migration of the Inlet to the south, except for the 1949 to 1956 period when migration was to the north. Between 1956 and 1960, a new inlet formed through the Island to the north about 1 mile north of Rich Inlet. By the 1966 photographs, how- ever, it was completely filled in with vegetation beginning.to form in the area. Future Trends Rich Inlet has a southernly motion on the order of 38 feet per year. It appears that this will continue unless there is some depletion of the littoral flow or a breakthrough occurs to the north after southernly migration has continued. for some time. INLET CHARACTERISTICS Year - Gorge Gorge Average Channel Migration Of Migration Of Net Gorge Net Channel Width Width Channel Width Gorge S side Gorge N side Migration Migration (ft) Change Width Change (ft/yr) (ft/yr) (ft/yr) (ft/yr) (ft/yr) (ft) (ft/yr) 1938 2072 -3 402 8 63 S 67 S 65 S 23 N 1949 2038 1949 2038 208 982 171 2 N 211 N 106 N 93 N 1956 3344 1956 3344 -295 1001 -218 59 N 237 S 89 S 52 N 1960 1947 1960 1947 4 400 -31 55 S 53 S 54 S 5 S 1966 1965 1966 1965 84 357 17 106 S 10 S 96 S 34 S 1972 2460 Total Gorge Migration (ft) 1277 S Maximum Gorge Migration (ft) 1189 S (1956-1972) 26 RICH INLET 1938 1949 TV, 1956 1,960 & M a 1966 U!""'an qv 972 @4 @i AVEV@' 27 OLD TOPSAIL INLET Description Old.Topsail Inlet is in Pender County, south of-New Topsail Beach, and it is separated from New Topsail Inlet by a small sand island. It is smaller than New Topsail, averaging only 1200 feet in width. The length of the Inlet is small compared to its width. Migration Trends The Inlet is generally moving from the north to the south. Four of the five periods studied show migration in a southernly direction with a maximum migration of 1179 feet, or'238 feet per year, occurring in the period between 1961-1966. The only period that did not show southernly movement was between 1938-1949, and this movement to the north- east was only about 408 feet. The net migration for the forty-ypar period was 2707 feet. Future Trends Future trends are difficult to define for this Inlet. since it seems to be traveling to the south so consistantly. The north side has become stabilized with vegetation as it contin -ues to move in asouthernly direction. It could be anticipated that the Inlet may migrate back to the north side of its 1949 location, and it might be expected that the southern end of the Inlet could migrate approximately 1,000 feet to the south of the 1972 location. INLET CHARACTERISTICS Year Gorge Gorge Channel Channel Migration Of Migration Of Net Gorge Net Channel Width Width Width Width Gorge S side Gorge N side Migration Migration (ft) Change (ft) Change (ft/yr) (ft/yr) (ft/yr) (ft/yr) (ft/yr) (ft/yr) 1938 654 71 324 -2 3 N 68 N 35 N 8 S 1949 1466 1949 1466 -73 340 9 38 S 109 S 73 S 39 N 1956- 1010 1956 1010 -33 284 -33 145 S 176 S 160 S 205 S 1961 839 1961 839 222 201 1 350 S 129 S 238 S 214 S 1966 1938 1966 1938 -120 202 1 48 S 170 S 109 S 118 S 1972 1230 Net Gorge Migration (ft) 2707 S Maximum Gorge Migration (ft) 3115 S (1949-1972) 28 OLD TOPSAIL INLET 1938 ll:! 1949 1-7 .. . ...................... 1956 ir 12.@ 141@@ 14 'Ml PRRWHRO@Vltnmul - - - - - ------- 1961 a -un 1966 n6: 1972 iwumv--'l 29 NEW TOPSAIL INLET Description @ New Topsail Inlet is located at the southern end of New Topsail Beach. It averages 1250 feet in width with the gorge-staying relatively perpendicular to the beach front and being rather short compared to its width. The island to the south, which is only a mile in length, is a low sandy area with sparse ground vegetation. The island to the north is 21 miles long with fairly dense ground vegetation and many stands of trees, and it seems to have a generally higher elevation than the island to the south. The main channel of this Inlet is on the south side of the gorge, and it appears that the major ebb flow comes from Banks Channel and a small channel from the Intrac6astal Waterway. Migration Trends The Inlet is moving generally from north to south with five periods studied showing migration to the south of over 25 feet per year. The maximum migration occurred in the period between 1949-1956, and the net movement was 1286 feet west. The total southernly migration for the thirty-four year period was 2680 feet. Future Trends it app@ears that this Inlet will continue to migrate to the south; although, a breakthrough of an inlet several thousand feet to the north certainly would be possible. The southern migration could extend another 2,000 feet to the south where Howard Creek makes a sharp turn to the northeast. INLET CHARACTERISTICS Year Gorge Gorge Channel Channel Migration Of Migration Of Net Gorge Net Channel Width Width Width Width Gorge 5 side Gorge N side Migration Migration (ft) Change (ft) Change (ft/yr) (ft/yr) (ft/yr) (ft/yr) (ft/yr) (ft/yr) 1938 1387 57 587 -30 57 S 2 N 28 S 65 S 1949 2043 1949 2043 -152 303 -36 131 S 280 S 205 S 169 S 1956 1090 1956 1090 101 239 19 92 S 10 N 41 S 81 S 1961 1609 1961 1609 -84 545 105 3 S 98 S 50 S -76 N 1966 1195 1966 1195 6 611 -73 106 S 100 S 103 S 167 S 1972 1229 Total Gorge Migration (ft) 2680 S Maximum Gorge Migration (ft) 2680 S (1938-1972) 30 NEW TOPSAIL INLET 715 @,@3i YR Y. 1938 7777,9,74 1949 1956 NO 1961 1966 ", rfwv 1972 APPROX,1MATE 31 NEW RIVER INLET Description New River Inlet is located in Onslow County between the south end of Onslow Beach and the north end ofTopsail Beach. The gorge of the Inlet averages about 770 feet in width with the channel.existing on the southern side of the gorge. The Inlet is fed by New River through one channel; however, some flow occurs through the tidal marshes behind the barrier islands. Migration Trends The Inlet tends to move southward, extending the southern end of Onslow Beach and eroding the northern end of Topsail Beach. In 1938, New River Inlet had an unusual S-shape which broke through on the north prior to the 1949 photography. Since 1949, the Inlet has kept its shape and has been widening continuously with the exception of the period from 1956 to 1960. The most drastic increase in width occurred from 1964 to 1971. Future Trends It can be expected that the Inlet will continue to migrate from the southern edge of its location in 1938 and the northern edge of i.ts location in 1949. INLET CIARACTFRISTICS Year Gorge Gorge Channel Channel Migration Of Migration Of Net Gorge Net Channel Width Width Width Width Gorge S side Gorge N side Migration Migration ft) Change (ft) Change (ft/yr) (ft/yr) (ft/yr) (ft/yr) (ft/yr) (ft/yr) 1938 330 39 253 12 195 N 235 N 215 N 203 N 1949 774 1949 774 24 443 38 16 S 52 S 64 S 44 S 1956 925 1956 925 -48 494 -29 9 S 62 S 36 S 46 S 1960 694 1960 694 18 486 38 1 N 22 N 11 N 16 N 1964 750 1964 750 51 489 -21 35 S 6 N 15 S 58 S 1971 1142 Total Gorge Migration (ft) 1818 N Maximum Gorge Migration (ft) 2472 N (1938-1949) *Since 1949 migration has been primarily S 32 NEW RIVER INLET 1938 7@11"lill' 77 'k Yl@' Al NV 1949 956 ARI M N NA % A V" i'wv 1960 NY F k 11 o N', IM", PM v-, 5, Lm @-.N 10 1, vo 1964 N t'N'vlw 77 ... . .... ... _77, ,k'41' 1971 M-1 A@' At Pkil wo Ol 7 7-- 33 BROWN INLET Description Brown Inlet is located in northern Onslow County. It is one of the smaller inlets and averages only 875 feet in width. The main channel of the Inlet is fairly straight and recently averaged less than one third the width of the gorge. The Inlet is fed by two primary channels: the south channel which is an extension of Freeman's Creek, and the north channel which extends just up to the Intracoastal Waterway. Migration Trends Brown Inlet has moved south steadily in every period of study ex- cept one, which was between 1949-1956, when the Inlet only widened and did not move at all. The 1938 photograph shows a large sand spit extending from the end of Onslow Beach, possibly indicating that the Inlet was.moving north prior to this time. The Inlet seems to maintain a rather funnel-like appearance with the main channel projecting more or less directly into the area. Future Trends The Inlet will probably continue to move southward. The 1971 photography shows Onslow Beach eroding and the island to the north be- coming more stable due to increased vegetation. One of the channels connecting this Inlet to the Intracoastal Waterway is located some distance to the south, and the history of movement due to littoral drift is also in this direction. There is a possibility of a breakthrough where the western channel approaches the east side of the island. Accreted land to the north is becoming more heavily vegetated and is, therefore, much more stable than in the past history. INLET CHARACTERISTICS Year Average Gorge Average Channel Migration Of Migration Of Net Inlet Net Channel Gorge Width Channel Width Gorge S side Gorge N side Migration Migration Width Channel Width Change (ft/yr) (ft/yr) (ft/yr) (ft/yr) (ft) (ft/yr) (ft/yr) (ft/yr) 1938 490 26 344 5 55 S 35 S 45 S 60 S 1949 786 1949 786 77 311 -21 36 S 36 N 0.0 37 S 1956 1257 1956 1257 -59 178 -29 33 S -98 S 65 S 21 S 1960 970 1960 970 -31 174 41 61 S -103 S 82 S 2 S 1964 870 1964 870 -1 257 4 43 S 44 S 43 S 15 S 1971 863 Total Gorge Migration (ft) 1431 Maximum Gorge Migration (ft) 1431 34 BROWN INLET vull oval WD U 1 l4low HIM J,; MW R'N's! UiUav", Mm-l" @,'VTMZ il"k 1949 LA -i-11956 h V, 02111- R I ON 19610 J@a q MR IF Allfli 1964 AN rip. It Mml@ 971 . ....... . .... ...... . 35 BEAR INLET Description Bear Inlet is located at the northern end of Onslow County and is bound on the north by Bear Island. It is a moderate size inlet averaging about 15bo feet in width. Four primary channels feed this inlet with the one farthest south being Bear Creek and the other three channels all extending from the Intracoastal Waterway. Migration Bear Inlet has a fairly stable location; however, the shape has varied considerably during the period of study. The net motion from 1938 has been 179 feet east. Bear Inlet does not seem to be moving a great deal in either direction. The Inlet appears to move in a north- south cycle, eroding possibly several hundred feet of the ends of the islands and then replacing the material on the next cycle. Future Trends There is an area several hundred yards southwest of the end of the south is-land that might be endangered by severe storm conditions. The Inlet is unvegetated. Since 1956, the wind has been moving sand across the inlet and depositing it in the channel behind the island. During a very heavy storm, this would be a potential washover area with the possibility of forming a new inlet. PI&ET'CHARACTERISTI CS Year Gorge Gorge Average Channel Migration Of Migration Of Net Gorge Net Channel Width Width Channel Width Gorge S side Gorge IN side Migration Migration (ft) Change Width Change (ft/yr) (ft/yr) (ft/yr) ft/yr) (ft/yr) (ft) (ft/yr) 1938 2560 -103 320 -1 90 N 14 S 38 N 60 S 1949 1395 1949 1395 -65 361 13 47 N 28 S 9 N 15 N 1956 991 1956 991 158 379 -10 116 S 48 N 34 S 23 N 1960 1752 1960 1752 -137 506 94 40 N 78 S 19 S 96 S 1964 1310 1964 1310 -17 45U -54 2 S 20 S 11 S 76 S 1971 1178 Total Gorge Migration (ft) 179 N Maximum Gorge Migration (ft) 488 N (1938-1956) 36 BEAR INLET 1939 Ut1% VW,@ W '1949 W L 1 N -eu E 1956, w 1v MIN 1960,' xN't, A . .... . . .... @@,N WM@OK@ 5,1- 1964. 0 k@,, .......... Al 1971 .......... 1ARV r I 37 BOGUE INLET Description Bogue Inlet, one of the largest North Carolina inlets, is located at the mouth of White Oak River near Swansboro, North Carolina. It is bound on the east by Bogue Banks and on the west by Bear Island with Dudley Island existing directly behind the Inlet. The Inlet has two primary fresh water sources, White Oak River and Queen Creek. The Inlet mouth is formed by two crescent shaped spits of sand. These spits are relatively unstable and are continuously in motion as is the entire gqrge of the Inlet. The motion of the entire gorge is, however, much slbwer than that of the sand spits. The sand spits may shift radically in just a few months or even a few days under severe storm conditions, but the gorge shifts usually occur over a period of years. Migration Trends During the period of study the net trend in migration ior Bogue Inlet was to the east. The Inlet swings.from east to west with the longest motion in the east direction, producing a net travel of approxi- mately 1300 feet. This Inlet has always been extremely wide compared to the channel flow which is from the east and the west. The 1949 -photography shows two main channels which may indicate the excessive width of the gorge. Bogue Inlet has recently undergone a large-scaled, short-term shift. The eastern spit has extended a great distance out into the gorge and has been cut from the main body of Bogue Banks, thus creating a new inlet. Future Trends Bogue Inlet has-a migration zone stretching 1500 feet from the edge of the vegetation on the east and the west banks. Long-term mi-, gration is relatively small, but rather large short-term movements may be anticipated,in the future. INLET CHARACTERISTICS Year Gorge Gorge Channel Channel Migration Of Migration Of Net Gorge Net Channel Width Width Width Width Gorge W side Gorge E side Migration Migration (ft) Change (ft) Change (ft/yr) (ft/yr) (ft/yr) (ft/yr) (ft/yr) (ft/yr) 1938 2532 346. 1059 71 75 W 270 E 97 E 284 E 1949 6519 1949 6519 -187 4246 291 6 E 185 W 90 W 219 W 1956 5327 1956 5327 -300 2206 -473 379 E 70 E 224 E 11 E 1960 3911 1960 3911 -15 698 -246 93 E 60 E 76 E 323 W 1964 3862 1964 3862 -72 1104 208 39 W 110 W 75 W 137 W 1971 3308 Total Groge Migration (ft) 1274 E Maximum Gorge Migration (ft) 1300 E (1938-1964) 38 BOGUE INLET 1938 low ffw 'Ati: lie 1949 Ron Ph _7 AM-6-1 Hoqx@y -1956 141 IY6 w A ,V, f I I II Ulu' 97 - At L* @4 A LAMM. 47 4WW 39 BEAUFORT INLET Description Beaufort Inlet is a major inlet in North Carolina that separates Bogue Banks to the west and Shackleford Banks to the east. Newport River to the south and the North River from the north supply the fresh water flow to this Inlet. Fort Macon is located on the western side of the Inlet and has been stabilized with a number of short groins a'nd, fairly recently, with a major jetty. Shackleford Banks to the east*is undeveloped, and historically there has been a rather significant sand spit extending from the vegetated areas to the east of the Inlet. Beaufort Inlet is one of the widest inlets in North Carolina averaging over a mile in width. Migration Trends Since 1953, Beaufort Inlet appears to be continually narrowing in width principally through accretion of Shackleford Banks on the east side of the Inlet. The location of Morehead City Channel through the Inlet varies; however, it generally seems to exist on the western side of the Inlet. There seems to be a tendency for deposition of sand on the east side during the ebb flow condition. The 1964 photography indi- cates that the elevation of this sand has risen above the water level and has now become a part of Shackleford Banks. The 1971 photography indicates that some vegetation is beginning to form on this sand spit, and in fact, the sand spit is continuing to migrate to the west. Zone of Migration Due to the construction of the protective works on the east side of Fort Macon, it is anticipated that, unless a major storm produces a breakthrough, the west side of Beaufort Inlet can be expected not to migrate any significant distance. The 1971 photography indicates a zone of possible overwash on the east side, and it is possible that during a major weather event a breakthrough could occur several thousand feet to the east of the present Inlet. This would at least temporarily produce two inlets with a sand island between them. The zone of migration for Beaufort Inlet might extend approximately from an area where the heavy vegetation exists on the east side in the 1939 photography to the pre- sent location on the west side.of the Inlet. INLET CHARACTERISTICS Year Gorge Gorge Average Channel Migration Of Migration Of Net Gorge Net Channel Width Width Channel Width Gorge W side Gorge E side Migration Migration (ft) Change Width Change (ft/yr) (ft/yr) (ft/yr) (ft/yr) (ft/yr) (ft) (ft/yr) 1939 7132 69 1802 39 63 W 7 E 28 W 35 E 1953 8144 1953 8144 -283 2507 165 10 W 290 E 140 E 83 W 1958 .6723 1958 6723 -496 2956 13 1 E 501 W 250 W 43 W 1964 4131 1964 4131 -51 70 E 27 W 22 E 1971 3739 Net Gorge Migration (ft) 836 W Maximum Gorge Migration (ft) 1308 W (1958-1964) *These data cannot be determined from the photograph 40 BEAUFORT INLET BEAU t 9V,@-,S ALI em 31 @2 Tt 41 BARDEN INLET Description Barden Inlet is located northwest of Cape Lookout where-the general orientation of the shoreline changes from essentially north-south along .Core Banks to essentially east-west along Shackleford Banks. The southernly migration of Cape Lookout-has extended the Cape-well below Barden Inlet. The ebb flow comes from Back Sound and Core Sound which feeds the Inlet through Lighthouse Channel. The Inlet is approximately 1800 feet wide with the main channel located on the east side of the Inlet. However, at the location it enters the ocean, it curves to the west and away from the Cape to follow the coastline southward. Migration Trends Barden Inlet has generally widened from 1945 to the present time; although, from 1965 to 1971 it did narrow somewhat. The east side of the Inlet has generally sh 'own a history of migration to the east with the west side migrating both to the east and to the west. The net migra- tion of the gorge during the period of study has been to the east. The main channel of Barden Inlet has always been on the east side and is, no doubt, producing this easternly migration. It appears possible that a continued easternly migration of Barden Inlet will produce a breakthrough along Core Banks resulting in the formation of a new inlet and the sub- sequent closing of the present Inlet. Zone of Migration The zone of migration is difficult to predict for Barden Inlet. Because the Inlet has been moving steadily to the east, it seems reason- able that the westernly side should be considered more or less stable. As noted previously, it is possible that the Inlet will eventually cause a breaching of Core Banks on the ocean side, resulting in the formation of a new easternly directed inlet. If this should occur, the southern end of Core Banks will become a separate island. INLET CHARACTERISTICS Year Average Gorge Average Channel Migration Of Migration Of Net Inlet Net Channel Gorge Width Channel Width Gorge W side Gorge E side Migration Migration Width Change Width Change (ft/yr) (ft/yr) (ft/yr) (ft/yr) (ft/yr) (ft/yr) 1945 918 49 633 8 23 W 25 E 1 E -1 E 1953 1329 1953 1329 84 829 60 34 W 49 E 7 E -24 E 1958 1782 1958 1782 8 963 -8 -20 E 27 E 23 E -27 E 1965 1835 1965 1835 -9 506 6 9 E E 6 E I W 1971 1766 Total Gorge Migration (ft) 251 Maximum Gorge Migration (ft) 251 42 BARDEN INLET ---------- 1945 1'95 3 955 v% . . . . . . . . . . 1958 1,965 MW i'97 i 3 W 5 ME Q'i 43 @ZR27 Ma @@ ri. @,- 7 - - U p 111 7\ , Tbll*. Llt,6ULI@ @,@ 9-71CIFU K 3 6668 000,01 8434