UPDATE: The Washington Emergency Management Division (EMD) has just unveiled a critical Tsunami Maritime Response and Mitigation Strategy, designed to protect the Port of Port Angeles from the impending threat of the ‘Big One’ earthquake. This urgent initiative, developed alongside the Washington Geological Survey and the U.S. Coast Guard, addresses the imminent tsunami risks facing Clallam County.
The strategy focuses on the Port Angeles Harbor and its vital infrastructure, including the U.S. Coast Guard Air Station and John Wayne Marina. Recent findings indicate that a potential 9.0 Cascadia earthquake could unleash tsunami waves exceeding 16 feet within just one hour of the quake. This necessitates immediate evacuation from the inundation zone as soon as shaking stops. In contrast, a distant tsunami originating from a 9.2 earthquake in Alaska could bring less than 2 feet of inundation, impacting maritime infrastructure within 4.5 to 5 hours post-quake.
Authorities have already begun implementing crucial mitigation measures, such as burying fuel tanks and reinforcing dock structures. The newly released strategy outlines further enhancements, which include installing additional tsunami signage and integrating tsunami modeling data into future projects.
James Alton, Port of Port Angeles Airports and Emergency Manager, emphasized the strategy’s importance, stating,
“This Tsunami Maritime Strategy represents a significant advancement in protecting the people, infrastructure, and maritime assets that define Clallam County.”
The collaborative effort to improve safety was echoed by U.S.C.G. Capt. Mark McDonnell, who highlighted the vital role of understanding and proactive risk reduction. Steven Burke, President of the Port of Port Angeles Commission, expressed appreciation for the EMD’s initiatives, calling the strategy a forward-thinking resource for the community.
Ethan Weller, Tsunami Program Coordinator with the EMD, commended the Port’s dedication to preparedness and infrastructure investment, positioning it as a model for coastal communities nationwide.
A public meeting to discuss the strategy is scheduled for January 20, 2026, in Port Angeles, with details to be announced soon. In the meantime, residents are urged to familiarize themselves with evacuation routes and prepare for the possibility of a tsunami, as even minor wave increases can pose serious safety risks.
As Washington takes these proactive measures, the urgency of preparedness resonates deeply within the community, reminding everyone of the potential danger lurking beneath the surface.
