By Mike Busch

I checked out Old Inlet on Wednesday evening about two hours before low tide.   I try to do this at least once a month to document how this dynamic area created by Hurricane Sandy continues to evolve.  To check out how it has changed over time, click here where we have a ton of content all the way back to just days after it opened in 2012.

The water clarity was excellent despite the overcast skies with no sign of algae yet.  As you can see, sand buildup inside the bay has filled in most of the channels, making navigation difficult for all but the smallest skiffs.   Two men had to be rescued by a hovercraft a few weeks ago after running aground a few weeks ago so caution is advised.  I misjudged the tide on Wednesday evening and had to wait until after 10:00 p.m. to float off again.

The spit that has been building on the east side of the inlet continues to move west but it appears the main channel to the ocean still has decent flow.  It seems to be just a matter of time before it eventually closes but it’s anyone’s guess how long we will get to enjoy its benefits.  The Eastern Great South Bay has made a dramatic recovery since it opened, I hate to think what would happen if and when it closes.

 

More images on Pages 2, 3 and 4