BELLINGHAM - The Washington Department of Ecology is encouraging the public to share photos of upcoming extreme high tides.

Extreme high tides occur naturally when the sun's and the moon's gravitational pulls reinforce one another. These high winter tides occur in late December through February in Washington's coastal areas.

Morning high tides in Bellingham are estimated to reach about 9 1/2 feet Monday, Jan. 14, to Thursday, Jan. 17.

People are asked to take photos where the water level can be gauged against familiar landmarks such as sea walls, bridge supports or buildings.

Note the date, time and location of your photo and upload to the "Washington King Tide Photo Initiative" group page at Flickr.com.