A new tsunami strategy launched for the Port of Port Angeles

A new tsunami strategy launched for the Port of Port Angeles

CONTACTS:

Steven Friederich, Washington Emergency Management Division, [email protected], (253) 344-0253

Cherie Gottschalk, Port of Port Angeles, [email protected], (360) 417-3435

The Washington Emergency Management Division (EMD) has completed a Tsunami Maritime Response and Mitigation Strategy for critical Port of Port Angeles marina and waterfront infrastructure in Clallam County to help the region understand the tsunami risk, build resilience, and identify protective actions that will enhance life safety and protect property.

The study area focused on Port Angeles Harbor, including U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Port Angeles and the John Wayne Marina in Sequim Bay. It analyzed impacts from both a 9.0 Cascadia-type earthquake and tsunami as well as a distant tsunami that could come from a 9.2 earthquake in Alaska.

This study found heavy impacts would occur from a Cascadia-type tsunami along the Port Angeles waterfront area, with 16 foot or higher inundating waves arriving in just under an hour after the earthquake. The study notes that given the estimated impacts and limited response time from this event, everyone on land within the inundation zone should follow their evacuation route immediately after the earthquake shaking stops.

For the distant Alaska tsunami scenario, less than two feet of inundation would be expected along much of the Port Angeles and Sequim Bay areas within 4.5-5 hours of the initial earthquake. Impacts would largely be contained to the maritime infrastructure.

The strategy was developed in collaboration with Washington Geological Survey, Clallam County Emergency Management, the Port of Port Angeles, the U.S. Coast Guard and key stakeholders.

"This Tsunami Maritime Strategy represents a significant advancement in protecting the people, infrastructure and maritime assets that define Clallam County," said James Alton, Port of Port Angeles Airports and Emergency Manager. "Through a clear understanding of our vulnerabilities and the implementation of proactive measures, we are strengthening our community's resilience and safeguarding its future."

"The U.S. Coast Guard is proud to have partnered with the Washington Emergency Management Division and other key stakeholders in the development of this vital tsunami mitigation strategy for the Port of Port Angeles," said U.S.C.G. Capt. Mark McDonnell, Captain of the Port. "This collaborative effort has significantly enhanced our collective understanding of the tsunami risks facing the port and the region, allowing us to proactively identify and implement strategies to reduce those risks."

The analysis by Washington Emergency Management Division staff showed that the Port of Port Angeles has already taken steps to mitigate the impacts of tsunamis, such as burying fuel tanks underground, strengthening dock infrastructure with strong, flexible dock connections, and incorporating best practices in flotation, interconnectivity, cleat design and maintenance. For tsunami response, the Port already has notification processes to notify the community of an incoming tsunami and quickly shut down port infrastructure. The Port of Port Angeles has established processes to work with first responders from the city and county on priority response actions, including restricting traffic access in waterfront areas.

Based on the tsunami response and mitigation strategy, the Port plans to install additional tsunami signage across their property, including information at their public access areas to help educate and spread awareness of the tsunami hazard. The strategy also encouraged more cooperation between the Port and Coast Guard to ensure the successful evacuation of key assets to high ground. In addition, the Port has upcoming projects over the next decade to add taller, thicker pilings into its marinas, incorporating data from the tsunami modeling to help guide the design.

"We're deeply grateful to the Washington Emergency Management Division for their diligent efforts in developing a comprehensive and well-structured plan for Port Angeles and Sequim," said Port of Port Angeles Commission President Steven Burke. "Their exceptional knowledge and expertise in maritime response and mitigation strategies have resulted in an invaluable, forward-thinking document that will serve as a vital resource for our working waterfront and the greater community."

"By continuing to prioritize preparedness and investing in infrastructure, the Port of Port Angeles can build on its successes and serve as a model for coastal communities across the West Coast," said Ethan Weller, a tsunami program coordinator with the Washington Emergency Management Division. "This commitment to continuous improvement will ensure that the Port remains ready to meet future hazards while safeguarding the safety and well-being of its residents and visitors."

MORE INFORMATION

While boaters may be inclined to take their vessels out to deeper water, the best protective actions are to ensure that your boat is securely tied at the marina and follow the nearest evacuation route to high ground. Tsunami waves differ from traditional wind waves, and even wave heights a couple of feet higher than normal can create significant safety risks that are best addressed by evacuating the waterfront. Find specific maritime protective actions here.

Learn more about the Port of Port Angeles.

Read the full report here.