Latest news with #SoutheastAlaska
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Science
- Daily Mail
Cause of Alaska tsunami revealed by scientists
Scientists have identified the cause of a 'mysterious tsunami' that struck Southeast Alaska , sending water surging up slopes to 100 feet above sea level. Early on August 10, the Alaska Earthquake Center received reports of a sudden, localized tsunami in the remote Endicott Arm area. Waves measuring 10 to 15 feet were recorded near Harbor Island, while nearby Sawyer Island saw water climb 100 feet. While tsunamis are typically caused by major earthquakes, scientists found no significant seismic activity in the area, deepening the mystery. Alec Bennett, assistant professor at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, told the Daily Mail: 'Events like this can be triggered in a number of ways, including seismic activity, ground thawing, or heavy rainfall. 'Often, the landslide triggers a seismic reading, and the tsunami follows as rock, soil, and debris rapidly displace water.' The Alaska Earthquake Center is working with other agencies 'to understand the full sequence of events.' On Facebook, it added, 'All evidence suggests that this set of 10- to 15-foot waves was set in motion by a landslide of several tens of millions of cubic meters of rock striking the water.' Portions of the landslide debris rolled onto Sawyer Glacier, while the rest tumbled into Tracy Arm, creating a seiche, a trapped tsunami within the fjord. The center said this may be the largest landslide and tsunami in Alaska since 2015. The US Coast Guard conducted an aerial survey of the landslide at South Sawyer Glacier and Tracy Arm Fjord. Footage shows debris strewn across the ground and a clear path of destruction down the mountainside, highlighting the event's immense scale. The tsunami hit just days before Alaska's capital suffered massive flooding and record-high water levels after an ice dam burst at a nearby glacier, releasing a powerful surge of rainwater and snowmelt. Residents are urged to use extreme caution near damaged structures, stay off riverbanks, and avoid driving through standing water,' a statement from the Juneau city website reads. 'Officials warn that driving through flooded areas can create damaging waves that further impact nearby buildings.' The newly installed flood barriers, built earlier this year to protect the community from the looming ice caps, are believed to be the reason the community was spared from further devastation. 'They really have protected our community,' Juneau City Manager Katie Koester said during a news conference. 'If it weren't for them, we would have hundreds and hundreds of flooded homes.' City officials responded to concerns from property owners this year by working with state, federal and tribal entities to install a temporary levee along roughly 2.5 miles of riverbank in an attempt to guard against widespread flooding. The 10,000 'Hesco' barriers are essentially giant, reinforced sandbags intended to protect more than 460 properties, said emergency manager Ryan O'Shaughnessy, The Associated Press reported. The Juneau Assembly required homeowners in the flood zone to cover 40 percent of the cost, amounting to about $6,300 each over 10 years. Additionally, a handful of homeowners were asked to chip in $50,000 toward reinforcing the riverbank. Only about one-quarter of the residents formally objected, not enough to call quits on the project. While flooding did occur, the impacts were far less severe than those seen in 2023 and 2024, when nearly 300 homes were inundated during similar glacial outburst events. The devastating flooding began after water from Suicide Basin - a side basin of the Mendenhall Glacier, located about 10 miles above the state's capital - broke free, inundating roads, damaging infrastructure, and prompting emergency warnings. 'A glacial outburst has occurred at Suicide Basin,' officials wrote in a statement on Tuesday afternoon. 'The basin is releasing and flooding is expected along the Mendenhall Lake and River late Tuesday through Wednesday.' City officials urged residents living within the 17-foot lake level inundation zone to evacuate the area immediately, adding that when the area is deemed 'all clear,' a wireless emergency alert will be sent to residents, Fox4 News reported. Roads across the region were closed, including Mendenhall Loop Road, which will remain off-limits until water levels drop below 12 feet and safety inspections are complete.
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Science
- Daily Mail
Troubling cause of mysterious 100-foot 'ghost tsunami' in Alaska is revealed by scientists
Scientists have identified the cause of a 'mysterious tsunami' that struck Southeast Alaska, sending water surging up slopes to 100 feet above sea level. Early on August 10, the Alaska Earthquake Center received reports of a sudden, localized tsunami in the remote Endicott Arm area. Waves measuring 10 to 15 feet were recorded near Harbor Island, while nearby Sawyer Island saw water climb 100 feet. While tsunamis are typically caused by major earthquakes, scientists found no significant seismic activity in the area, deepening the mystery. Researchers at the Earthquake Center analyzed seismic data, discovering a massive landslide near South Sawyer Glacier, with an estimated volume exceeding 3.5 billion cubic feet — the equivalent of 40,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools. Alaska Earthquake Center director Michael West said: 'This is larger than anything in the past decade in Alaska.' Landslides can trigger tsunamis by displacing large amounts of water. Alec Bennett, assistant professor at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, told the Daily Mail: 'Events like this can be triggered in a number of ways, including seismic activity, ground thawing, or heavy rainfall. 'Often, the landslide triggers a seismic reading, and the tsunami follows as rock, soil, and debris rapidly displace water.' The Alaska Earthquake Center is working with other agencies 'to understand the full sequence of events.' On Facebook, it added, 'All evidence suggests that this set of 10- to 15-foot waves was set in motion by a landslide of several tens of millions of cubic meters of rock striking the water.' Portions of the landslide debris rolled onto Sawyer Glacier, while the rest tumbled into Tracy Arm, creating a seiche, a trapped tsunami within the fjord. The center said this may be the largest landslide and tsunami in Alaska since 2015. The US Coast Guard conducted an aerial survey of the landslide at South Sawyer Glacier and Tracy Arm Fjord. Video footage shows debris strewn across the ground and a clear path of destruction down the mountainside, highlighting the event's immense scale. The tsunami hit just days before Alaska's capital suffered massive flooding and record-high water levels after an ice dam burst at a nearby glacier, releasing a powerful surge of rainwater and snowmelt. Residents are urged to use extreme caution near damaged structures, stay off riverbanks, and avoid driving through standing water,' a statement from the Juneau city website reads. 'Officials warn that driving through flooded areas can create damaging waves that further impact nearby buildings.' Data collected after the event shows the water likely went 100 feet up the hillside near Sawyer Island The newly installed flood barriers, built earlier this year to protect the community from the looming ice caps, are believed to be the reason the community was spared from further devastation. 'They really have protected our community,' Juneau City Manager Katie Koester said during a news conference. 'If it weren't for them, we would have hundreds and hundreds of flooded homes.' City officials responded to concerns from property owners this year by working with state, federal and tribal entities to install a temporary levee along roughly 2.5 miles of riverbank in an attempt to guard against widespread flooding. The 10,000 'Hesco' barriers are essentially giant, reinforced sandbags intended to protect more than 460 properties, said emergency manager Ryan O'Shaughnessy, The Associated Press reported. The Juneau Assembly required homeowners in the flood zone to cover 40 percent of the cost, amounting to about $6,300 each over 10 years. Additionally, a handful of homeowners were asked to chip in $50,000 toward reinforcing the riverbank. Only about one-quarter of the residents formally objected, not enough to call quits on the project. While flooding did occur, the impacts were far less severe than those seen in 2023 and 2024, when nearly 300 homes were inundated during similar glacial outburst events. The devastating flooding began after water from Suicide Basin - a side basin of the Mendenhall Glacier, located about 10 miles above the state's capital - broke free, inundating roads, damaging infrastructure, and prompting emergency warnings. 'A glacial outburst has occurred at Suicide Basin,' officials wrote in a statement on Tuesday afternoon. 'The basin is releasing and flooding is expected along the Mendenhall Lake and River late Tuesday through Wednesday.' City officials urged residents living within the 17-foot lake level inundation zone to evacuate the area immediately, adding that when the area is deemed 'all clear,' a wireless emergency alert will be sent to residents, Fox4 News reported. Roads across the region were closed, including Mendenhall Loop Road, which will remain off-limits until water levels drop below 12 feet and safety inspections are complete.
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Travel + Leisure
15-06-2025
- Travel + Leisure
The Largest Temperate Rain Forest in the World Is in the U.S.—and It Has Stunning Glaciers and Fjords
Get a bird's-eye view of the 1,500-square-mile Juneau Icefield from a seaplane. Hop on a boat for a whale watching and wildlife viewing tour where you may spot humpback or killer whales. Ride the Goldbelt Tram for the best views of Juneau and the surrounding area. Hike the half-mile Mount Roberts Alpine Loop Trail to see Indigenous totem poles, Sitka spruce trees, and sweeping vistas of the Gastineau Channel. Pitch a tent at Mendenhall Campground—one of the 13 campgrounds in Tongass National Forest. With more than 700 miles of hiking trails, 17,000 miles of creeks and rivers, and 128 glaciers, Tongass National Forest is a haven for those who want to experience "wild' Alaska. It stretches across approximately 17 million acres and includes Alaska's coveted Inside Passage—it's the largest national forest in the U.S. 'The Tongass National Forest makes up over 90 percent of Southeast Alaska,' says Peter Nave, owner and lead guide of Wild Coast Excursions. 'It is a region of mountains and fjords, where towns are thinly stretched between steep forested slopes and deep, rich waters." Tongass is not only the largest temperate rain forest in the country, but the largest in the world. It's a thriving biodiversity hotspot and the perfect environment for brown bears, moose, wolves, bald eagles, deer, and even flying squirrels. Located in Southeast Alaska, Tongass National Forest includes the Alexander Archipelago, made up of 1,100 islands. While cruising the waterways, you may see five species of Pacific salmon, humpback and killer whales, sea lions, seals, and sea otters, as well as several types of seabirds. In addition, the region is the native home of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian Indigenous peoples, who have lived in the area for thousands of years. A popular access point is the capital city of Juneau, but most people come to the forest via cruise, usually entering the area through either Ketchikan or Sitka, Alaska. Depending on your cruise and how much time you have, you could explore the forest by hiking, fishing, dog sledding, or even zip lining. Here's everything you need to know before visiting Tongass National Forest. Tongass National Forest near Ketchikan, Alaska. You'll want to be prepared for chilly weather by dressing in layers, and a raincoat never hurts—Tongass is a rain forest after all. Also, be sure to bring water with you and a fully charged cellphone. Since cell reception can be spotty in the area, make sure someone knows where you're going. While there is no official entrance (or entry fees), like you would find at a national park, the Southeast Alaskan Discovery Center in Ketchikan or the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center in Juneau are great places to start. Admission is $5 for adults, while children are free. You can learn about the flora and fauna, history, culture, and geography of Tongass National Forest by walking through exhibits, watching films, or participating in activities. Park rangers are on hand to answer questions, give suggestions, and hand out maps. You will not need a rental car, as there are few roads in the area. Most people get from town to town by seaplane or boat. Drones are allowed in some areas. Just be sure to follow Federal Aviation Administration regulations. Steve Blackledge, Environment America's senior director of conservation campaigns recommends bringing binoculars. 'If you're from the lower 48 and aren't used to being around bald eagles, these birds—America's symbol—will take your breath away,' says Blackledge. You can see views of the Tongass Narrows from Rainbird Trail. Most people would agree that the best time to visit Alaska is during summer, when the weather is warmest—usually in the 40s to 70s Fahrenheit. The darkest months are in winter, when there could be less than seven hours of daylight. You can see the Northern Lights from August through April, but you'll have better luck further north in towns like Fairbanks. If you're trying to avoid large crowds and high prices, don't visit in June through August, which is the peak season for cruise ships. As many as 16,000 passengers could descend on these small towns during the weekends. Visit in November to attend the Sitka WhaleFest where you'll learn about local marine life and go whale watching in Sitka Sound. September is the wettest month of the year. A cruise ship approaches Juneau, Alaska. Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure The vast majority of travelers arrive via cruise ship, which typically stop in small towns such as Sitka, Ketchikan, and Juneau. Cruise ships typically visit Alaska from May through September. Though it's less common, you could fly into Juneau International Airport (JNU) or Ketchikan International Airport (KTN). However, you would still need to travel by seaplane or boat to reach most points of interest within the park. A family of grizzly bears in bears in their natural environment is one of the best things you can do in Tongass National Forest. There are four observation sites that are managed by the U.S. Forest Service to keep travelers and bears safe. Most sites require permits and fees. Getting out on the water is a must. Marine life is abundant here and thrives in the numerous channels, fjords, and bays within the forest. From humpback and killer whales to sea otters and sea lions, seeing these majestic creatures frolicking in their natural habitats is thrilling. Several companies offer boat tours. Alaska is known for its breathtaking glaciers and ice fields, and there are several ways to experience them in Tongass National Forest. You could see them from the water on a boat or by kayaking or from the sky via a float plane or helicopter. Alternatively, you could simply hike around them or view them on a dog sled. There are 19 designated wilderness areas in 'The Last Frontier.' You can fish, camp, hike, kayak, watch wildlife, or just appreciate the wild and scenic landscape. Two of the areas, Misty Fjords and Admiralty Island, are national monuments. The Auk Nu Trail in the Tongass National Forest. wanderluster/Getty Images This hike in Juneau starts with a scenic ride on the Goldbelt Tram, which whisks you to the trailhead at 1,800 feet. The half-mile trail provides expansive views of Juneau and the picturesque waterways and forests that surround it. Be sure to grab a trail map at the Goldbelt Tram gift store. To access this roughly three-mile loop trail, begin at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center in Juneau where you can first watch a short video about the glacier. The moderate trail will reward you with epic views of the approximately 13-mile-long Mendenhall Glacier that flows from the Juneau Icefield. Head to the end of Basin Road in Juneau to get to the three to five-mile out-and-back Perseverance Trail. It runs along an old railroad and passes by out-of-commission mine shafts. This trail is dog-friendly and also open to mountain biking. Follow the beautiful Indian River about four miles (one way) to arrive at a dramatic waterfall on the Indian River Trail, also known as the Kaasda Héen Trail. It winds through a lush forest landscape just outside of Sitka. The trailhead is accessible via the public Ride bus from downtown. Guest room in Four Points by Sheraton Juneau. Staying in a backcountry lodge in Alaska is on many people's bucket list. Raven's Roost Cabin, owned and operated by the U.S. Forest Service, is a tranquil escape since it can only be reached by helicopter or by hiking four miles on Raven Trail from Petersburg. Peer out of your tent or RV for spectacular views of Mendenhall Glacier from this fully equipped campground near downtown Juneau. 'Roughing it' is easy here, since there's drinking water on tap, flush toilets, showers, and grills. Spend your days hiking and your nights around the campfire. If your goal is to hook the 'big one,' book a stay at Salmon Falls Fishing Resort. This all-inclusive resort in Ketchikan, aka the 'Salmon Capital of the World,' has upscale rustic lodging, a waterfront restaurant with locally sourced cuisine, and guided fishing excursions. For more contemporary accommodations, stay at the Four Points by Sheraton Juneau. You will find all the comfort and modern amenities you would expect from a Sheraton. The hotel is conveniently situated in the historic downtown district, within walking distance of shops and restaurants. Tracy's King Crab Shack in Juneau, Alaska. Meg Roussos/Bloomberg via Getty Images Sink your teeth into a true Alaskan delicacy, Alaskan king crab, at Tracy's Crab Shack. With two locations in Juneau, you can order a bucket of crab legs and claws, crab cakes, or crab bisque. Choose from red king crab, golden king crab, Dungeness crab, or snow crab. Watch float planes take off and land from this kitschy waterfront eatery in Ketchikan, serving locally sourced seafood. At Bush Pilot's Lounge, you can learn about the history of Alaskan bush aviation while dining on a three-course, made-from-scratch meal. Don't miss the 3D-printed map of Alaska's Inside Passage. Located in Sitka's Harbor Mountain Brewing Co., you can wash down your craft beer with a piping hot artisan pizza from Campfire Kitchen. These hand-tossed, wood-fired pies come in six varieties, including 'Break Up at Burning Man' with eight toppings. They also serve reindeer hot dogs.
