The Ketchikan EOC and tourism transportation providers have been working collaboratively to establish a community-wide plan for safe and effective road travel. This effort reduces congestion on Tongass Avenue in anticipation of the return to school on September 3rd. AkDoT&PF will assist with traffic control.
Tour operators have made significant progress in reducing the impact of busses on Tongass Avenue:
• Many ensure their buses are at least 90% full before releasing them on the road.
• Ward Cove and others are already staggering their bus movements to ensure they enter the roadways with spacing between bus departures.
• Many have adjusted schedules to avoid congestion.
• Many have changed operations to combine multiple vendor tours to make the transport vans more full.
• Some have canceled and culled some of their tours to alleviate congestion.
We urge our citizens to avoid unnecessary left-hand turns through the Tongass Avenue corridor, especially in areas where road construction is underway.
Recovery Work: Progress continued today with crews clearing debris on Third and Second Avenues. Two storm drain inlets were located and opened up, and both are operating (taking water.) Over 100 dump truck loads of debris were removed from the area today.
State AkDOT&PF geologists started their day by assessing the Third Avenue Slide area and were delayed by whimpering from 225 Whitecliff Ave. After reporting their observation to Incident Command, a response team of firefighters was dispatched to the scene. The afternoon media release reported that the responders rescued two dogs trapped in a collapsed house since the landslide.
The geologists traversed the ridge from the Third Avenue landslide area to the Copper Ridge landslide and hiked down the Copper Ridge slide zone. They assessed the area and flew the drone to collect imagery. The team inspected retaining walls along the Third Avenue Bypass.
The NOAA/NWS meteorologist team monitored the rain gauge and surveyed the landslide site on Third Ave. Citizens are reminded to check for daily weather updates at https://www.weather.gov/ajk/
The DGGS geologist traversed Copper Ridge and examined the material at the head scarp. He will review drone imagery and LiDAR data over the next several weeks. The final report is anticipated to take several months to develop. Following the final report, the geologist can present the data at a community meeting.
Upcoming Meetings & Events
Monday, September 2, 2024: For the Individual Assistance application, in-person support will be provided. Call 907-228-2383 to set up an appointment.
Monday, September 2, 2024: The Ketchikan Ministerial Association will host a community gathering at Fire Station 1 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Chief Hines will fire up the grill. All are welcome to attend.
Wednesday, September 4, 2024: A National Crisis Response Canine team—Tia and Bear and handlers Terry and Eleanor—will be available to comfort community members affected by the landslide. Call 907-228-2383 to request a visit with Tia and Bear.
Dogs Rescued from Collapsed Home: After an emotional week of recovering from the aftermath of the Third Avenue landslide, Ketchikan—and most specifically, James and William (Bill) Montiver—got some very good news today. Their two dogs, Alani and Cassie, were rescued today from their home that collapsed in the August 25, 2024 Third Avenue landslide. Join us to recount the rescue and the family’s reunion.
KPUTv YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPFRVMfC1nI
City of Ketchikan Facebook page: https://fb.watch/ukPdbhuXNE/
Closures: The city of Ketchikan facilities are closed for the holiday weekend. They will resume regular operating hours on Tuesday, September 3rd, including the Library
Borough offices will reopen on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, with modified hours of operation, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Evacuation Area: The evacuation order remains in effect for homes on Second Avenue from 2122 Second Avenue to Whitecliff Avenue. Return to these areas will be authorized after slide debris is cleared and power poles are replaced.
Road Closures and Openings:
• Whitecliff Ave has been opened from Tongass Ave to the first entrance of the White Cliff Building parking lot.
• First Ave has been opened from Tongass Ave to Whitecliff Ave.
The following road closures are in effect:
• First Ave from Whitecliff Ave to Austin St
• Second Ave from Austin St to Whitecliff Ave
• Third Ave from the Library to Washington Street. This area is expected to be closed for an extended period as debris is cleared and the area is assessed by engineers for structural integrity.
Services for Evacuees and Displaced Families: Services remain available and have moved to the National Guard Armory. Please call 907-228-2383 to request overnight assistance.
Anyone who had disaster-related expenses to their primary residence because of the August 25, 2024 event is encouraged to complete the Individual Assistance application. The application can be accessed via https://ready.alaska.gov/Recovery/IA.
EOC Objectives
The Ketchikan Emergency Operations Center Unified Command is operating under the following seven objectives:
1. Develop and implement a transportation plan by close of business on Sunday, September 1st
2. Complete slope stabilization (up and down) along 3rd Avenue by September 13th
3. Support the safe opening of Ketchikan schools by September 3rd
4. Clear drains and control the flow of water on 2nd Avenue
5. Restore services on North Second Avenue by September 10th
6. Assist displaced residents (ongoing)
7. Ensure the financial stability of the City of Ketchikan while managing the costs associated with the landslide response and recovery (ongoing)
Information and Disaster-Related Resources: Additional details on August 25, 2024, Third Avenue Landslide is available at https://www.kgbak.us/1098/3rd-Avenue-Bypass-Landslide
To sign up for Nixle emergency alerts, text “99901” to 888777 for updates.
