The Tectonic Event
Measuring a massive 9.2 on the moment magnitude scale, the Great Alaska Earthquake was the most powerful earthquake recorded in North American history. The shaking lasted for over 4 minutes, causing massive tsunamis, land shifts, and landslides across Alaska.
Subsidence & Coastal Flooding
In Girdwood, the earth dropped by approximately 6.5 feet (2 meters). This sudden drop lowered the original townsite below the high-tide line, causing salt water from the Turnagain Arm to flood houses, drown the spruce forest, and cut off rail and road connections.
Resilience & Rebuilding
Rather than abandoning the valley, Girdwood's residents banded together to relocate the entire community inland to safer, higher ground. This relocate-and-rebuild effort created the modern Girdwood town layout we see today.