Today was a day of rest for us and getting some things done around the motorhome. I also did some planning and alternate planning for what we are doing the next two weeks as well as watching the potential for a big storm across the Sierras and Nevada.
As I was going thru some items from the visitor center I came a visitor sheet that stated:
“Know Your Zone!
Since 1933, 32 tsunamis have been observed in Crescent City. Five of those caused damage, and one of them, in March 1964, remains the “largest and most destructive recorded tsunami to ever strike the United States Pacific Coast,” according to the University of Southern California's Tsunami Research Center.
This is why it is important to “Know Your Zone,” while you are visiting. A tsunami could happen at anytime and most of Downtown Crescent City is in the tsunami run-up zone. If an near-shore earthquake occurred, you would only have minutes to get to safety!
The main “rule of thumb” is when you feel a sizable earthquake, head north for high ground at 9th Street. Leave your car and walk briskly, because many of the roads could be clogged with cars or building debris. Do the same if you hear the tsunami sirens go off! There will be no mistaking when they do. Don’t panic and follow the “Tsunami Evacuation Route” signs to safe ground.
The map to the right is from a Tsunami Safety brochure that you can download from the Del Norte County Office of Emergency Services website along with other helpful tips for a worry-free stay. Just click on the map to open it up on your smartphone.
Be Tsunami Safe and Know Your Zone!”
One of the folks told us that if we feel an earthquake, get moving. Don’t wait for the sirens.
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Can you imagine – 32 tsunamis since 1933? WOW!
“In 1964, a magnitude-9.2 earthquake off Alaska’s produced a powerful wave, cresting at nearly 21 feet, that slammed into Crescent City’s downtown, killing 11 people and devastating 29 city blocks. More than 289 buildings and homes were damaged by rising waters or destroyed after being pushed off their foundations. Much of the city’s downtown had to be rebuilt.”
“In 2011, Crescent City was again hit by tsunami currents, this time by those generated by the Tōhoku earthquake in Japan. The magnitude-9.0 earthquake, the most powerful ever in Japan’s history, and the tsunami combined killed more than 18,000 people there and they also unleashed the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster. Powerful waves crossed the Pacific Ocean and caused $100 million worth of damage to California ports and harbors, including those in Crescent City and Santa Cruz, more than 400 miles to the south.”
There is a lot of information and pictures on the web. A few sites that I found interesting:
https://www.mercurynews.com/2022/01/15/californias-5-most-deadly-devastating-tsunamis/
The lighthouse keepers account of the waves:
“Remarkably, the lighthouse was not harmed when Crescent City received the worst tsunami damage ever suffered along the west coast of the lower forty-eight states. On March 27, 1964, the strongest earthquake ever recorded in the northern hemisphere struck Alaska near Prince William Sound, generating a series of waves that raced south at a speed of nearly 600 mph. The waves reached Crescent City around midnight with crests of up to twenty feet.
Clarence (Roxey) and Peggy Coons were living as curators in the lighthouse when the waves arrived. Peggy awoke a little before midnight to use the bathroom, and upon looking out the window noted an extremely high tide in the harbor that was illuminated by a nearly full moon. She roused her husband, and they quickly dressed and hurried outside in time to witness the first waves pummel Crescent City.
The following is Peggy’s account after the third wave had flooded the city:
The water withdrew as if someone had pulled the plug. It receded a distance of three-quarters of a mile from the shore. We were looking down, as though from a high mountain, into a black abyss. It was a mystical labyrinth of caves, canyons, basins, and pits, undreamed of in the wildest of fantasies.
The basin was sucked dry…In the distance, a black wall of water was rapidly building up, evidenced by a flash of white as the edge of the boiling and seething seawater reflected the moonlight.
Then the mammoth wall of water came barreling towards us. It was a terrifying mass, stretching up from the ocean floor and looking much higher than the island. Roxey shouted, “Let’s head for the tower!” - but it was too late. “Look out!” he yelled, and we both ducked as the water struck, split and swirled over both sides of the island. It struck with such force and speed that we felt we were being carried along with the ocean. It took several minutes before we realized that the island hadn’t moved.
When the tsunami assaulted the shore, it was like a violent explosion. A thunderous roar mingled with all the confusion. Everywhere we looked buildings, cars, lumber, and boats shifted around like crazy. The whole beachfront moved, changing before our very eyes. By this time, the fire had spread to the Texaco bulk tanks. They started exploding one after another, lighting up the sky. It was spectacular!
It still seems hard to believe that with all the salvage that floated by us out to sea, the only bit to reach the island was one spool of lavender thread.”
Crescent City has been rebuilt and they have made some improvements to the marina and bay area. Most of the area near the water is now parks and the business and homes start a few blocks back.
We did talk to a few folks at the Elks that do remember what happened and many said it was just total devastation. So sad.
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Tomorrow we continue to play tourist so stay tuned and enjoy today!
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