What does Mean High Water Springs (MHWS) indicate?

Mean High Water Springs (MHWS) is a tidal reference that provides an average of the height of high waters recorded during spring tides. Spring tides, which occur approximately twice a month, exhibit the most significant differences between high and low tides due to the combined gravitational effects of the moon and the sun. When calculating the MHWS, tide data from various spring tidal events are averaged, resulting in the standard reference point that mariners and navigators can use for various purposes, including charting, navigation, and determining tidal limits for marine activities.

In this context, knowing that MHWS specifically relates to high waters during these significant tidal events distinguishes it from other tidal measurements that track different aspects of tidal behavior, such as lower tides or average daily high tides. This understanding is essential for effectively using charts and for operational planning in maritime environments.