Ahead of Great Washington Shakeout, DNR Releases New Maps Detailing Routes to Safety from Olympic Peninsula Tsunami

News Date:

October 16, 2024

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Just ahead of the Great Washington Shakeout, geologists at the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) have published new evacuation walk time maps for communities along the North Olympic Peninsula.

Knowing where to walk and how long it might take to get there can be one of the most important pieces of information for anyone in Washington's coastal communities when a tsunami strikes.

These maps, produced by the Washington Geological Survey - a division of DNR - show the time it would take to evacuate on foot from the tsunami inundation zones of a Cascadia subduction zone earthquake. They show detailed pedestrian evacuation routes and estimated times for the Tsoo-Yess River, Neah Bay, Lower Elwha Klallam, Kalaloch, and Dungeness.

"Washington's coastal communities are among the most beautiful and most visited places in the state. It's critical to prepare these communities before the next tsunami hits," said Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz. "Based on our data, in people in many areas would not have the time to walk to safety before tsunami waves arrive. With these maps, we have the power of time and preparedness to act and save lives."

Using models of a Cascadia earthquake, the maps use colors to indicate how many minutes it would take to walk to safety at a moderate pace within these communities. Waves from a Cascadia earthquake-induced tsunami could reach Kalaloch and Makah Bay in as soon as 15 minutes after the next megathrust earthquake starts.

Models, maps available online

The new pedestrian maps and maps for other communities are available through an interactive map on the DNR web site: https://www.dnr.wa.gov/programs-and-services/geology/geologic-hazards/Tsunamis#tsunami-evacuation-maps

The interactive map also provides access to tsunami evacuation brochures for areas that do not have walk time maps yet.

Other information about impacts from earthquakes to Washington communities is available on DNR's Geologic Information Portal at: https://geologyportal.dnr.wa.gov

Just in Time for Annual Earthquake Drill

The Great ShakeOut is a world-wide earthquake and tsunami drill that happens every year in mid-October. This year, it's scheduled for tomorrow, Oct. 17th at 10:17 a.m. During the drill, people in earthquake-prone areas practice what to do during an earthquake. The shaking during an earthquake makes it hard to move or even stay in one spot, so it is essential to react quickly to protect yourself as soon as the shaking starts.

For this year's ShakeOut, consider what you can do right now to better prepare for earthquake and tsunami hazards. Ask yourself:

· Do you know what hazards are in your area? Look up your address on dnr.wa.gov/geologyportal.

· Do you have a family emergency plan? Learn how to make one at mil.wa.gov/preparedness.

· Are you signed up for local alerts? Learn more at mil.wa.gov/alerts.

Geology in the Public Interest

Under the guidance of Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz, the Washington Geological Survey works to ensure the safety and economic well-being of Washington's citizens from geologic events. The Survey is the primary source of geological products and services for Washington's government agencies, businesses, and the public.

MEDIA CONTACT

Joe Smillie

Communications Manager

360-688-3392

[email protected]