LONG BEACH — The first fall razor clam dig tentatively is scheduled for Oct. 28 and 29 at Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis and Mocrocks.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife announced the digging dates for October through December. Final approval depends on tests for marine toxins showing the clams are safe to eat.
No digging is allowed before noon until the tides change next spring.
Low tide on Oct. 28 is -1.8 feet at 8:28 p.m and -1.5 feet at 9:17 p.m.
The rest of the schedule, plus low tides and heights, for 2011 is:
Nov. 11, Fri. – 6:48 p.m. (-0.4 ft.); Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
Nov. 12, Sat. – 7:23 p.m. (-0.4 ft.); Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
Nov. 25, Fri. – 6:27 p.m. (-1.9 ft.); Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks
Nov. 26, Sat. – 7:14 p.m. (-1.8 ft.); Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
Dec. 10, Sat. – 6:30 p.m. (-0.5 ft.); Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
Dec. 22, Thurs. – 4:40 p.m. (-0.9 ft.); Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
Dec. 23, Fri. – 5:29 p.m. (-1.4); Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks
“This season’s tides are not as favorable as those in the past few years,” said Dan Ayres, coastal shellfish manager. “Low tides will occur later in the day, so diggers will have to be prepared for the dark during evening digs in fall and winter.”