the maximum height reached by a spring high tide or other high tide that occurs with periodic frequency. (III) Exclusion The term high tide line does not include the maximum height reached as a result of a storm surge in which there is a departure from the normal or predicted reach of the tide due to the piling up of water against a coast by strong winds, such as those accompanying a hurricane or other intense storm. (IV) Methods of determination in the absence of data For purposes of this clause, in the absence of data on the high tide line, the high tide line may be determined by— (aa) a line of oil or scum along shore objects