Portage Lake Tsunami Looms

The Begich, Boggs Visitor Center opens Friday. A tsunami created by a collapsing landslide would reach the facility in two-four minutes, experts say. Read the story below. (Photo by Soren Wuerth)

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Portage Lake Tsunami Could Reach Turnagain Arm and Whittier
Portage Lake Tsunami Could Reach Turnagain Arm and Whittier

Forest Service Employees and Public Left Unaware of Danger, Sources Say

By Soren Wuerth

TNews Editor

A hulking mountain face slowly sinking toward Portage Lake could collapse and send a massive wall of water hurtling into the Portage visitor center and down a valley six miles to Turnagain Arm, according to experts and a Forest Service emergency action plan. 

Geologists fear a landslide-triggered tsunami more than 1,000 feet high could, like sloshing water in a bathtub, sweep through valleys, enter the 2.5-mile long Whittier Tunnel and even breach the 500-foot Portage pass, sending muddy water and debris into Passage Canal. 

Yet, as catastrophic as it sounds—and given growing concern about landslides, sporadic news coverage and heightened awareness—few warnings have been issued about the possibility of a major disaster at a popular tourism destination that opens Friday.

"You think about some dramatic event like a tsunami on Portage Lake and it sounds pretty implausible until after it's happened. And that's kind of an instinct we, or at least a lot of people, have," said independent geologist Bretwood "Hig" Higman, who has consulted for the government on a number of landslide risk zones. 

Portage's Begich, Boggs Visitor Center, a popular tourism destination that sees up to 1,000 visitors a day, sits directly in the path of a potential tsunami and 2.5 miles from the toe of Portage Glacier. 

Higman estimated a catastrophic tsunami at Portage has one in 30 yearly chance of occuring and a wave that magnitude would give a person two to four minutes to evacuate. The landslide is currently moving at a rate of a meter per year.

There have already been three "dramatic" landslides at Portage, Higman said, one in 2022, another in 2024 that slipped down the glacier, and a third last September. "It went directly into the lake and I think it's big enough that if it had been moving a bit faster, it might have produced a dangerous tsunami," he said.

Similar landslides have happened in other coastal areas, including an incredible 1,500-foot wave from a landslide in Tracy Arm near Juneau last summer. 

Portage, said Higman, is "flying those red flags a little more wildly," and September's event is "kind of a duh of risk factors for landslides, but I think it's a really important one."

"No explanation"

Though it has known about the tsunami threat for at least two years, the Chugach National Forest has kept its own employees and the public largely in the dark, Forest Service sources said.

Just weeks ago, an annual Forest Service meeting planned for the visitors' center at Portage was abruptly cancelled, employees said, adding they were offered no explanation.

"The Forest Service has not communicated about this at all," said an employee who spoke on condition of anonymity. "It's a bold decision and quite scary actually."

Reached by phone Wednesday, Glacier District Supervisor Chris Stewart referred questions to the Forest Service's public affairs department.

In a response to an email, Public Affairs Officer Amanda Wheelock wrote that the Forest Service is "partnering with other agencies to support community safety and preparedness".

Wheelock said her agency is evaluating the slope above the glacier and monitoring precipitation forecasts, among other things, "to determine if a temporary closure of the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center is necessary." 

Read the entire story at the link below:

https://www.turnagainnews.org/articles/wgi9ksy0q9anl722d312tgv8c3zo5v

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ARTICLES
For Local Graduates Longtime Friendships Continue 

By Soren Wuerth

TNews Editor

Levi Williamson and Teagan Kuber grew up together in Girdwood. For nine years, they attended the same small local school and graduated with only 14 others.

They both went to high school in Anchorage, Kuber to South and Williamson to West.

Four years later, they would find out, in October, that they would not only be going to the same school on the other side of the planet, but they would be dorming a couple walls away from each other.

"Not planned," Kuber said about his and Williamson's acceptance to University College Dublin in Ireland. "And living in an apartment next to me? Not planned."

The recent graduates huddled around a table with five others Thursday nightfollowing Girdwood's annual "Graduation Parade". 

Twenty-four seniors walked in uncharacteristic sunshine from the post office to the Community Hall. They crossed Alyeska Highway, blocked to traffic by police cars, walking in black gowns and square hats past well-wishers, parents, grandparents, former teachers, photographers and younger siblings. 

It is a graduating class intimate with shared memories.

"Every single kid (from Girdwood) I could say hi to," said Brodie Wedeking about his childhood friends when he saw them at South Anchorage High School. He said he knows all 24 of the graduates in the parade.

Wedeking is also going to have a fellow Girdwoodian on his campus. Harlan Loso will join him at the University of Utah next fall. Both skiers, they look forward to skiing Utah's famous "champagne powder". 

More phot coverage to come later. Read the entire story at the link below..

https://www.turnagainnews.org/articles/for-local-graduates-longtime-friendships-continuenbsp

Alaska to recognize Hispanic Heritage Month under new law

By Corinne Smith

Alaska Beacon

Alaska will recognize Hispanic Heritage Month under a new law signed by Gov. Mike Dunleavy.

The month recognizing Hispanic heritage will be September 15 to October 15 each year. The legislation encourages schools, community groups and other public and private organizations to honor the history and culture of Hispanic Americans.

Sen. Elvi Gray-Jackson, D-Anchorage, is the bill’s sponsor, and said in a statement that the month is a time to honor and celebrate “the rich cultural tapestry that Hispanic and Latino Americans have woven into the fabric of our nation.”

There was no bill signing ceremony. A spokesperson for Dunleavy’s office said the governor signed the bill to acknowledge those contributions. “He believes it is important to recognize the rich traditions, history, and achievements of Hispanic Americans,” said Jeff Turner, Dunleavy’s communications director, by email Tuesday. 

The period also marks the anniversary of the independence of several Central American countries from Spain, including Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Mexico. 

“While Alaska may seem distant from the heart of Latin America, the contributions of Hispanic and Latino Alaskans to our state’s history, culture, and economy are undeniable. From pioneers and settlers to artists, educators, and business leaders, Hispanic and Latino individuals have made significant impacts in every corner of our state,” Gray-Jackson wrote. 

Read the entire story at the link below:

https://alaskabeacon.com/briefs/alaska-to-recognize-hispanic-heritage-month-under-new-law/

Holtan Hills Commentary: The Fight Is Still Not Over

By Julien-Didier Stiassny

Commentary Contributor

Four and a half years ago Holtan Hills was proposed as an idea. Almost 100% of Girdwood locals opposed the idea. 

There was a phase of meetings and arguing over it. "Halt Holtan Hills" signs appeared and the town came together to stop the project. 

In January of 2023 the Anchorage Assembly decided not to go on with Holtan Hills. For Girdwood it was amazing that our forest was not going to be destroyed. 

But in January of 2024 all of a sudden Holtan Hills was happening because the developers had snuck the idea back in without Girdwood knowing. It had been denied, but a small group of people who knew they would make money from it decided that they wanted it to happen. 

Another phase of meetings happened. I went to one of the meetings and can say that I was not happy with it. Connie Yoshimura, the developer, deflected challenging questions so that we didn’t get an answer about what is going to happen with the project. It just shows what people will do to get a second home or another car. 

Progressing with Holtan Hills will release around 12,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide, according to my calculations. Although this is very small compared to large emissions from fossil fuels, all developments in the past five years make up around 35 percent of global emissions. That has warmed the earth by 0.063F or 0.035C. 

Read the entire commentary at the link below:

https://www.turnagainnews.org/articles/holtan-hills-commentary-the-fight-is-still-not-over

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ARTICLES
UPDATE: Water Spout likely just a Freeze-Thaw Drainage Issue
UPDATE: Water Spout likely just a Freeze-Thaw Drainage Issue

By Soren Wuerth

TNews Editor

A gushing fountain of water near Girdwood's School was likely due to a backed-up french drain and is outside city water utility's purview, according to a local official.

"It appears it is a curtain drain, or a French drain, that helps drain water from the school play field," Kyle Kelley, Girdwood's service area manager, wrote in an email.

"The Field drain was probably frozen underground and built up pressure with the spring melt, and got over 1.5 inches of rain yesterday in that storm cycle," Kelley wrote. "It finally broke open and gushed out from the water buildup, giving the appearance of a broken pipe."

Kelley said by the time he inspected the area, water was "back to flowing slowly out under the vegetated mat like it was installed to do."

A spokesperson for AWWU said the draining water was not part of its infrastructure. 

Glacier Valley’s Heliport and Explosives Depot moves closer to construction
Glacier Valley’s Heliport and Explosives Depot moves closer to construction

By Chase Berenson

TNews Staffwriter

At the March 9th meeting of Anchorage’s Planning and Zoning Commission, the Commissioners unanimously passed PZC Case 2026-0042 to change the definition of the Girdwood Airport (GA) zoning district in a way which would allow a heliport and explosives depot to be built in the southeastern reaches of Glacier Valley.  There is a lot to unpack in that sentence, but this work ensures the safety of Alaskans will improve while driving the Seward Highway in winter.

According to Alaska Statute (AS) 19.05.030 the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT) has nine legally enshrined duties, and number seven on the list is to “develop and implement an avalanche control plan to protect persons who use public highways.”  To perform that duty, the DOT created the Snow Avalanche Program to improve motorist safety by reducing avalanche hazards while also minimizing avalanche-related traffic delays and road closures.  The Snow Avalanche Program has existed since the 1970s and their tools and methods of work have changed dramatically over the decades.

Read the entire story at the link below:

https://www.turnagainnews.org/articles/glacier-valleys-heliport-and-explosives-depot-moves-closer-to-construction

Aggrieved Hope Residents and Creekbend Reach Agreement on New Rules for Music Venue
Aggrieved Hope Residents and Creekbend Reach Agreement on New Rules for Music Venue

By Soren Wuerth

TNews Editor

Under the purview of a retired superior court judge, a group of residents in the tiny, end-of-the-road town of Hope have reached a deal with operators of a popular music park. 

A memorandum of understanding, struck between Creekbend Company and Friends of Hope, was forged March 20 and cleared the state Alcohol Control Board this week. It sets allowable noise levels, limits attendance, and regulates parking at the venue, among other conditions.

"Overall, I'm feeling very good about it," said Liam Bureau, vice president of Friends of Hope. "It feels very fair to me. In the true definition and spirit of compromise, both parties conceded significant things. And that's what allowed us to meet in the middle."

Conflict between some property owners and Creekbend has been brewing since the company began to expand its event grounds, add music acts and amplify sound. They complained about cars blocking driveways, public inebriation and unauthorized camping in a community that lacks a local police force and relies on a volunteer fire brigade.

"Based on what had happened so far—really the last almost decade leading up to this—this will be certainly the largest conversation that's happened around this topic within the community, and also this will lead to the most concrete changes of anything so far," Bureau said.

Messages sent to Creekbend were not returned in time for publication. 

From now on, according to the MOU, no more than 700 people can attend an event at Creekbend and it must designate at least three "amplified-music-free" weekends between May and September in the coming year.

Sound levels at the company's property cannot exceed 65 decibels between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. and the MOU limits noise to 50 decibels outside those hours. 

Read the entire story at the link below:

https://www.turnagainnews.org/articles/aggrieved-hope-residents-and-creekbend-reach-agreement-on-new-rules-for-music-venue

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Girdwood Sees Record Turnout for Local Anti-Trump "No Kings" Demonstration
Girdwood Sees Record Turnout for Local Anti-Trump "No Kings" Demonstration

By Soren Wuerth

TNews Editor

Organizers estimate eight million people hit the streets in yesterday's "No Kings" demonstrations across the country.

If Girdwood is any indication, it was the largest day of protest yet seen since Donald Trump took office a little over a year ago.

All four corners of Alyeska Hwy. and Hightower Rd. were packed with locals holding signs and banners. Organizer Emma Kramer counted 110 at one point, the highest seen locally in the 10 held since the start of Trump's election.

"There was one in the summer where we had numbers close to this, but I think we exceeded it by 20 or 25 people," Kramer said. 

A variety of signs fluttered in the crowd, highlighted by morning sunshine rounding Max's Mtn. 

"I think the message here was 'bring a friend' because chances are you and your friend will both find reasons for things you wish were different, things you want to change, things you can't stand by and watch happening," Kramer said.

Read the entire story at the link below:

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100 Percent Dump Increase Beleaguers Local Residents 
100 Percent Dump Increase Beleaguers Local Residents 

By Soren Wuerth

TNews Editor

A new rate increase that doubles the cost of trash disposal at municipal transfer facilities has some local residents storing their garbage and others laying a course to fight the fee.

Paying $10 to throw out a single bag of garbage is a high cost for a single person living paycheck to paycheck, said a municipal employee who declined to be identified. 

"There are elderly people stockpiling stinky trash in their house because they don't have a shed," the source said. 

The price to throw out one-to-four bags shot up from $5 to $10, a 100% increase. A load of a cubic yard or less went from $10 to $15 and a truck load climbed from $20 to $27.

Only a small part of the increase, 5 percent, pays for "rising operating costs" of Solid Waste Service, according to a flyer from the self-funded utility.

The bulk of the extra cost is a $4 surcharge to fund a "Healthy Spaces" crew of workers tasked with cleaning parks and other public spaces in the municipality. 

The measure, championed by Anchorage Assembly Member Chris Constant, passed the Assembly in September and took effect in January. At a press conference two weeks ago Mayor Suzanne LaFrance said the Healthy Spaces program added 10 year-round positions.

Read the entire story at the link below:

https://www.turnagainnews.org/articles/100-percent-dump-increase-beleaguers-local-residentsnbsp

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Noncommercial Shrimp Season Reduced, Commercial Season Closed for 2026
Noncommercial Shrimp Season Reduced, Commercial Season Closed for 2026

By Allison Sayer

TNews Staffwriter

 On February 26, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) announced the noncommercial (sport + subsistence)spot shrimp fishery would be open from May 1 through June 8, and fishers would be limited to two pots. This is over six weeks less than last year, and almost four months shorter than the 2024 season.

 The guideline harvest limit (GHL) in the 2026 noncommercial fishery is 29,782 pounds. Managers determine the GHL as a proportion of the estimated population, which has declined each year since 2021. Pot and season limits are then implemented based on the limit.

 The 2025 GHL was 54,311 pounds of shrimp, and the season was open May 1 though July 31 with two pots. During 2025, fishers exceeded the GHL, catching 60,234 pounds. The noncommercial fishery catch has exceeded the GHL for seven of the past seventeen seasons, despite managers implementing pot and season limits.

 ADF&G commercial and sport fishery staff hosted an online meeting February 12 to discuss shrimp research and take public questions and comments. According to Area Management Biologist Brittany Blain-Roth, about 130 people tuned into the meeting. 

 One bright spot presented by Fisheries Biologist Alissa Cole was the 2025 shift in commercial and noncommercial season opening days from April 15 to May 1 reduced the percentage of egg-bearing females taken in the harvest- from 36% of the fishery to just 5%. Presumably, the later date gave most females time to release their eggs before being harvested. 

 Cole shared population estimates come from an annual survey that has been performed in October throughout Prince William Sound since 1992.

Read the entire story at the link below

https://www.turnagainnews.org/articles/noncommercial-shrimp-season-reduced-commercial-season-closed-for-2026

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Seward Highway project meeting held in Girdwood
Seward Highway project meeting held in Girdwood

By Chase Berenson

TNews Staffwriter

On Tuesday, January 13th, Girdwood residents met with representatives of the Alaska Department of Transportation (DOT) and their consultants HDR and Michael Baker International to discuss the Safer Seward Highway project.  This is a massive infrastructure project that would dramatically reimagine the Seward Highway between mileposts 98.5 and 118, or approximately from Bird Flats in the south to Rabbit Creek in the north.  In December 2025 the DOT published the draft Environmental Assessment (EA), and this meeting allowed the public to comment on the assessment.

The Safer Seward Highway project is a construction project that is predicted to cost $1.4 billion and to take 15-20 years of work.  This project will convert the road into a four-lane divided highway, like the Glenn Highway between Anchorage and Wasilla.  This project will straighten out the curves of the highway by blasting rock walls and cliffs, will destroy over 300 acres of wildlife habitat, and will fill in 101 acres of mudflats to provide space to expand the Alaska Railroad tracks and the Seward Highway itself.  The Environmental Assessment states that the project may entail highway closures for construction for some period of the day that may take place daily over the 15-20 years of construction.

The DOT’s goals with the project are threefold: reduce crashes, increase mobility/reliability, and accommodate mixed-use in the highway right-of-way.  It approaches these goals by expanding the highway to be safer, which the DOT claims should reduce accident-related closures and make the highway more reliable.  The project also includes a multi-use pathway from the northern end of the Bird-to-Gird all the way to Anchorage, accommodating pedestrians and bicyclists who want to connect Anchorage and Girdwood without using the highway.

Read the entire story at the link below:

https://www.turnagainnews.org/articles/seward-highway-project-meeting-held-in-girdwood

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Turnagain Community Health: Don’t Give Up On Accessing Health Care
Turnagain Community Health: Don’t Give Up On Accessing Health Care

By Allison Sayer

TNews Staffwriter

 The deadline to enroll in Affordable Care Act (ACA) Health Insurance (also widely called “Obamacare”) is just days away- Thursday, January 15. I spoke to Turnagain Community Health Patient Assistance Program Coordinator Linda Mankoff on January 9 to learn more about options for health insurance in 2026.

 Free appointments for help understanding your options are available at Turnagain Community Health. Call 783-1355, choose option 1, and ask to be scheduled with a Community Health Worker.   The best times to call are Tuesday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You do not have to be a patient to receive help.

 Congressional wrangling over extending pandemic-era insurance subsidies has been all over national news. Mankoff feels there has been confusion about what Congress is actually fighting about. In 2021, extra subsidies were added to the already existing ACA program. In particular, substantial subsidies were extended to people making over $75,000 per year. Those extra subsidies expired December 31. Extending them was what Congress is fighting about.

 “We could not get people in here on the first of November [when the enrollment period started]. The way it came out in the media, it sounded like Obamacare was gone.” She felt people who were making $30,000 or $40,000 per year didn’t understand they could still be eligible for premium tax credits and lower premiums.  

 What if you earn more than $75,000? Mankoff said she has worked with Girdwood small business owners who initially thought, “I’m never going to be able to afford the marketplace.” However, she continued, “The Marketplace counts net profits for small business owners.” “I tell owners, if you made a big profit, but then you reinvested in the business, what did you actually see at the end of the day? You could be eligible.”

 There are people who will see a huge jump in premiums if the extra subsidies end. “If you are in a certain category, you may have paid $400 last year for insurance but it could be as much as $1500-1800 per month this year,” said Mankoff.

Read the entire story at the link below:

https://www.turnagainnews.org/articles/turnagain-community-health-dont-give-up-on-accessing-health-care

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