Large crack in Haines hillside has geologists worried about more slides

The crack extends from the crown of the slide across the hillside to the south. (courtesy Erik Stevens)

Geologists studying the landslide that swept Beach Road are concerned that more material could break loose. During helicopter flights, they identified a deep crack in the hillside extending south from the crown of the existing slide area.

At a town hall meeting Thursday evening, Erik Stevens with the Haines Avalanche Center said the team of geologists is using light detection and ranging imagery (LIDAR) to examine the crack without putting anyone in danger.

“This is one of the tools that the geoteam has been using to look at the terrain very carefully and to try to analyze and understand any features that stand out that could be of concern,” he said. “This LIDAR is a very high precision altitude measurement basically.”

The LIDAR imagery shows that the crack cuts south across the hillside above several structures. Stevens said that the team of geologists was unable to determine how far the crack extends.

LIDAR data shows the topography of the land in the Beach Road slide area. The red lines outline the slide, with the crack extending to the left. The orange squares represent nearby structures. (courtesy Erik Stevens)

“We’re working on analyzing this data as quickly as possible and trying to answer that question and some other questions as well,” Stevens said. “We’ll be gathering more LIDAR data over the slide tomorrow if the weather cooperates and doing our best to fully understand the extent of this.”

The geologists warn that a second landslide at Beach Road could trigger a local tsunami.

Residents living along Beach Road south of the Portage Cove Campground evacuated their homes following last week’s slide. Upper Mt. Riley Road was added to the evacuation area on Wednesday.

Interim Borough Manager Alekka Fullerton said the Alaska State Troopers are providing an additional state trooper and wildlife trooper to help secure the evacuation area and prevent people from entering it.

KHNS - Haines

KHNS is our partner station in Haines. KTOO collaborates with partners across the state to cover important news and to share stories with our audiences.

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