Rising Tides in the Mountains: The Dangers of Lake Tsunamis and Their Impact on Remote Communities

Lakes can experience tsunamis just like the ocean when a large volume of water suddenly changes position. These lake tsunami phenomena are becoming more common in areas like Alaska, USA, and British Columbia, Canada, where there are mountain glaciers. They can be caused by earthquakes, landslides, avalanches, glacier ruptures or delta collapses.

Unlike ocean tsunamis, most lake tsunamis occur in remote locations and pose little threat to people or infrastructure. However, geologists warn that with climate change leading to increased melting of glaciers and permafrost, the risk of lake tsunamis in residential areas may become more common. For example, Portage Lake in Alaska is estimated to have a high lake tsunami risk.

Lake tsunamis can cause significant disasters. In 2020, a massive landslide in British Columbia caused a 100-meter high lake tsunami that devastated the surrounding area. Similarly, the 1938 Lake Michigan tsunami killed 5 people and injured 27 with a 3-meter high wave. The highest tsunami in history occurred in Alaska in 1958 when a fjord was hit by a 524-meter wave.

Although rare compared to ocean tsunamis, lake tsunamis have the potential to cause severe damage and loss of life. With climate change and other factors increasing their risk, it’s crucial to be aware of their dangers and take necessary precautions to protect ourselves and our communities from these natural disasters.