Alaska landslide triggered major tsunami, raising concern for B.C.

A new study says a massive landslide in Alaska last year triggered one of the largest tsunamis ever recorded, sending a wave to an estimated 481 metres in Tracy Arm Fjord. The event took place on Aug. 10 near the AlaskaBritish Columbia border and was described by researchers as a reminder of the risks posed by landslidedriven waves in narrow coastal fjords. The research, published Wednesday in Science, says more than 64 million cubic metres of rock fell about 1,000 metres into the fjord early in the morning. Researchers said the landslide and resulting wave show why coastal communities, shipping routes, and infrastructure in British Columbia should pay closer attention to this kind of hazard. Study author Dan Shugar of the University of Calgary said warming temperatures and glacier retreat can increase the chance of similar events. He pointed to communities such as Prince Rupert and Port Alberni, as well as rising cruise ship traffic, as reasons the issue deserves more monitoring and earlywarning planning.