November 22, 1878 Southern California Tsunami - Point Sal Narrative
Passage from Lander, et al., (1993):
"The San Luis Obispo Tribune (Saturday, November 23, 1878) states:
"Marine Phenomena. On Friday last (November 22nd) a tidal wave swept along this
coast doing considerable damage to many of the landings. The full extent of the
wave and the exact amount of injury inflicted is not known at this time. It was
observed as far south as Wilmington where the water fell three feet below the
breakwater and in half an hour rose as many feet above it. As near as we can
ascertain the culmination of the wave was within a few miles of San Luis Obispo
Harbor. The principal damage was done at Point Sal. About half the wharf at
this point is reported to have been carried away, involving the loss of several
hundred sacks of grain and the drowning of one man. The Point Sal wharf was a
strong structure and in thorough repair."
"Captain Hanna of the Gypsy was at Point Sal taking on grain when the
disturbance commenced and was obligated to put over to Port Harford, near Avila.
The captain states he has not seen such heavy seas for years. The greater part
of the old People's Wharf at Avila was carried away. This was not a very
substantial affair, having been badly damaged last winter, since which time it
has not been used and but partially repaired."
"Superintendent Haskins states that the reef which protects Port Harford
presented a grand appearance during the raging of the waters. The waves would
break against the rocks throwing the spray in clouds many feet above the highest
rock. Port Harford was not affected."
"A gentleman who was driving along the beach in the vicinity of Price's Surf
Landing (Pismo) reports an unusual commotion in the ocean early in the day. It
was low tide at the time and the water would recede and then rush in with great
force to above high water mark. At Morro the sea ran so high as to break over
the sand ridge which divides the bay from the ocean. The Cayucos wharf was
slightly damaged, losing about thirty piles. The new wharf at San Simeon was
uninjured. The most remarkable features was the absence of wind. The
disturbance was doubtless occassioned by a submarine earthquake.""
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