A potential Portage Lake Tsunami threat has caught the attention of geologists. This is a serious concern. A landslide near the southern end of Portage Lake is slowly moving. Experts warn it could trigger a massive tsunami.
Geologist Bretwood “Hig” Higman has been studying the landslide since 2022. He knows the risks. The slow-moving landslide is above the front of the glacier. “This slope has started crumbling,” Highman explains.
Parts of the landslide are falling off abruptly. However, they’ve been small so far. They worry that a big chunk could come loose. It could hit the water and generate a tsunami. Highman says the landslide has the potential to produce a tsunami. It could be many hundreds of feet tall in some places. “That’s why we’re anxious about it. It is big,” he says.
Mort Larsen, Alaska Landslide Hazards Program Manager, agrees. The slide warrants close attention. “That’s a major corridor system,” Larsen says. “It’s a recreational system, so it’s something that people need to pay attention to.”
Highman is working on a plan. He wants to track the landslide’s deformation in real time. Scientists are also monitoring the landslide in their spare time. Experts are closely monitoring the Portage Lake Tsunami threat.
The community is advised to stay informed. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available. The Portage Lake Tsunami threat is a serious concern that requires attention and vigilance. Residents and visitors must know the risks and take necessary precautions immediately.
This news story was originally published by Alaska’s News Source.
