Geologists studying the landslide potential that swept Beach Road are concerned that more material could break loose. They identified a deep crack in the hillside extending south from the crown of the existing slide area during helicopter flights.
From an article in KHNS FM by Henry Leasia.
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 feature that stand out that could be of concern. This LIDAR is a very high precision altitude measurement basically.”
Landslide Potential
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. (Image captured during EOC town hall presentation)
“We’re working on analyzing this data as quickly as possible and trying to answer that question and some other questions as well. 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 if a second landslide occurred at Beach Road, it could trigger a localized 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 that 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.
For the complete article CLICK HERE.
Note – If you liked this post click here to stay informed of all of the 3D laser scanning, geomatics, UAS, autonomous vehicle, Lidar News and more. If you have an informative 3D video that you would like us to promote, please forward to editor@lidarnews.com and if you would like to join the Younger Geospatial Professional movement click here.
