Alaska - Pedersen Glacier: Landslide Triggered Tsunami

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On August 7, 2024, a landslide near Aialik Bay, Alaska, triggered a tsunami that affected Pedersen Lagoon, reaching heights of 17 meters (approximately 56 feet) in Upper Pedersen Lagoon and diminishing to about 1 meter (3 feet) in Lower Pedersen Lagoon. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries or fatalities, although damage occurred to a private lodge's boardwalk and a National Park Service campsite's food storage box. The potential for future tsunamis remains uncertain, prompting warnings for visitors to stay alert for signs of landslides or tsunamis, such as unusual sounds, rapid water level changes, and abnormal wave behavior. Caution is advised for those in the Pedersen Lagoon area, especially when hiking in mountainous or sloped terrains, due to the risks associated with loose rocks and falling debris.
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SEWARD, Alaska – On the Morning of August 7, 2024, at approximately 5:00 a.m. a landslide triggered tsunami washed over portions of Pedersen Lagoon near Aialik Bay (59.8842N, -149.7309W). No known injuries or fatalities were reported. A private lodge reported damage to boardwalk areas. A National Park Service campsite easement was impacted with damage reported to a food storage box.

At this point we have no degree of certainty about the potential for any future tsunami or magnitude. As such, visitors to the area should remain vigilant for any signs of an impending landslide or tsunami, including sounds of rockfall, rapid lowering of water levels, and unusual currents or wave behavior.

We recommend caution for those who visit or remain in the area in and around Pedersen Lagoon.
https://www.nps.gov/kefj/learn/news/kenai-fjords-national-park-news-release.htm

https://www.usgs.gov/programs/lands...4-pedersen-lagoon-landslide-generated-tsunami
A landslide produced a tsunami in Pedersen Lagoon, southwest of Seward, Alaska on Wednesday, August 7th, 2024, at approximately 04:55 AKDT / 12:55 UTC. Preliminary surveying indicates that the landslide generated a tsunami of 17 meters high (approx. 56 ft) or more in Upper Pedersen Lagoon, reducing to about one meter high (approx. 3 feet) in Lower Pedersen Lagoon. Runup heights reported here are preliminary and are subject to change with additional field validation.

When hiking in the back country near mountains, or in valleys or near slopes, pay attention to the surroundings - look for loose/falling/rolling rocks and listening for sounds of the same. I've had some close calls when hiking/scrambling on rock and boulder fields.

https://kenver.com/blogs/news/scrambling-hiking-guide

Before setting out, know the terrain and weather. Look for recent rock falls/slides; they can happen at anytime. And take plenty of water.
 
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