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Based on a recent report indicating significant beach erosion, Nags Head is considering bumping up its beach nourishment schedule by a year.

Engineering consultants Moffatt & Nichol are recommending nourishment for the summer of 2026 in the southernmost mile of the project reach, plus several northern beach locations.

Multiple winter storm events have caused erosion. According to the consultants, a nor’easter in December caused wave heights over 20 feet, and a 72-hour period in March saw constant wave heights above 10 feet. Turbulent weather over the summer prevented the beach from recovering like it usually would in the warmer months.

Dr. Beth Sciaudone said to commissioners at their October meeting that data gathered in June and July revealed significantly higher sand losses than usual, particularly in the southern part of town. Typical loss expected is between 15-20 cubic yards per foot, but the consultants discovered loss of 38 cubic yards per foot in the southern areas, and an average of 9.5 cubic yards per foot across all nourished regions. This equals about half a million cubic yards of sand loss from June 2023 to July 2024.

Sciaudone said the town’s beaches are still protected but she had concerns if this trend were to continue.

According to the Beach Nourishment Master Plan, nourishment is scheduled for the summer of 2027. However, town engineer David Ryan explained that the planning and permitting process takes about 18-24 months.

Starting the planning process now, Ryan said, “doesn’t commit us to having to do it earlier … but if we need to conduct it sooner, we have that ability.” If the sand levels hold up, the town may choose to nourish in 2027 as originally planned.

At the November meeting, commissioners approved $481,940 for the planning portion of a 2026 or 2027 beach renourishment project. This includes preliminary design, permitting, and preparation of construction plans and specifications. The money will come from the town’s beach nourishment maintenance capital project ordinance.

Earlier this year the town received a Coastal Storm Damage Mitigation grant for planning for the next project that will cover approximately 50% of these costs, Ryan said. Nags Head is also pursuing federal money that may be available for a storm event in September.

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