A recently released report on potential tsunami hazards for Juneau examines hypothetical worst case scenarios. The paper, written by the Alaska Earthquake Center at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and the State Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, shows the maximum predicted wave height associated with two scenarios: 1) offshore tectonic tsunamis triggered by ocean-floor displacement; and 2) inshore local tsunamis caused by underwater, or submarine, landslides.

“We’ve always understood the threats from offshore tsunamis, but this report includes worst case threats from an inshore submarine tsunami, which is something we’ve never experienced or studied before. The report is scientifically accurate and feasible, though the probability of smaller wave events is higher. But these are worst case scenarios and they help us understand evacuation areas and response,” said City and Borough of Juneau Emergency Programs Manager Tom Mattice.

The report’s map combines maximum predicted wave heights of both scenarios. For clarity, CBJ provides two maps – one map showing maximum predicted wave height for offshore tectonic tsunamis and another map showing maximum predicted wave height for local inshore tsunamis.

Offshore tsunamis come from across the ocean, offering opportunities to activate the Tsunami Warning System and the Emergency Alert System, whereas an inshore, landslide-generated tsunami is a short duration event that doesn’t provide any time for warning, Mattice explained.

“If you are located in this Inshore Landslide Tsunami Zone and an earthquake occurs that is longer than 20 seconds, or if it is strong enough to knock you down, immediately seek higher ground. If nothing transpires in the next 30 minutes, you can assume it is a non-tsunami event,” Mattice said.

For more information, contact Emergency Programs Manager Tom Mattice at 586-0419 or [email protected].

Learn about the newly reconfigured Juneau Commission on Aging during a public information meeting Monday, October 9 at 1:30 p.m. in Assembly Chambers. The community is invited to participate in a dialogue relating to senior issues facing the community and how the commission can help address those needs

Following a series of public meetings in May and June, the Assembly adopted a resolution on August 21 reestablishing the Juneau Commission on Aging. The commission is an advisory group of the Assembly. Resolution 2802 changed the commission membership structure, redefined its mission and tasked it with several new charges. The 9-member commission will now consist of five members 65 years of age or older and four members with no age requirement. The commission is also now charged with building a coalition among established groups and support programs working to address the needs of seniors.

The goal of the meeting is to continue the dialogue with senior members of the community, the agencies and community members who support them, and CBJ. The Juneau Economic Development Council will share information relating to the senior economy.

CBJ is also actively recruiting for members of the new Juneau Commission on Aging. If you or someone you know is interested in applying to serve on the commission, please complete the CBJ Board application and bring it to the meeting or email it in to the Clerk’s Office, [email protected].

For more information, contact Deputy City Clerk Beth McEwen at 586-0203 or [email protected].

Beginning Monday, Oct. 16, charging at the electric vehicle charging station located in the Marine Parking Garage will be limited to two hours.

The charging station is located on Level 1 of the parking garage between spaces 24 and 25, and is active between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Sunday through Saturday.

Parking there is limited to vehicles that are actively charging. Drivers must pay to park during the enforcement hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, but there is no additional fee for the use of the charging station.

For more information, visit the Parks and Recreation website or contact Lindsey Foster, Parks and Recreation Administrative Officer, at (907) 586-5226 or [email protected].