Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys Reveals Comprehensive Landslide Hazard Assessment for City of Homer
The Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys recently completed a thorough landslide hazard assessment for the City of Homer, as reported in a press release on December 11. The assessment includes a map and database of historical and prehistoric slope failures, susceptibility maps for shallow and deep-seated landslides, and simulated debris flow runout maps for Homer and neighboring Kachemak.
The report was authored by J. Barrett Salisbury, a geologic hazards geologist based in Fairbanks, who is involved in various hazard mitigation and safety commissions. The results of the assessment aim to educate officials and the public about potential slope failure hazards, support regional planning and resilience efforts, and inform the city’s comprehensive plan update.
Acting City Manager Julie Engebretsen expressed gratitude for the access to Federal Emergency Management Agency funds and mentioned how other Alaskan communities are using similar landscape mapping to address landslide risks. The data and maps produced by the study will be used by the Planning Commission and City Council to address slope stability issues in the future.
While the maps do not predict slope failures, they highlight areas where landslides have occurred historically to guide future development decisions. The study includes sheet maps showing slope failure in different time frames, with links to the full document and maps available online for public access. The comprehensive assessment provides valuable insights for enhancing safety and preparedness in the City of Homer.
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