Notes from the Landslide

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That extra time should allow hillsides in Sitka, particularly
the debris field on Kramer Avenue, to shed water more effectively
so that drainage infrastructure won’t be overwhelmed,
said Department of Transportation Geologist Mitch McDonald.
“The hazard for landslides does exist, certainly,” he said.
“We’ve got new slides with open ground and we’ve got some
rainfall coming. I think the forecast that Joel gave us is good:
that that rain is not going to hit as intensely.”
Public works and contractors working under their supervision
have been working steadily to release the water trapped in
the Kramer Avenue debris field and drain it away safely, while
preparing for the runoff that will come with the next storm.
Curtis said this one could be accompanied by 40 mph winds.
While the evacuation orders for residents below the slide area
on Kramer Avenue, Sand Dollar Drive and Whale Watch Drive
have been lifted, McDonald said that he personally would have
concerns about staying in the area if the rains come as forecast
this weekend.
“I would stay away from the area if the rain intensity occurs
as it’s predicted – that’s what I personally would do,” McDonald
said.
Stevens said he will consider putting the evacuation order
back in place if sufficient work to prepare the area is not completed
by this evening.
“I’m going to re-evaluate that. That’s a very hard decision to
make,” Stevens said.
Shortly before press time it was announced that a voluntary
evacuation had been issued for Kramer Avenue, Sand Dollar
Drive, and Whale Watch Drive. The evacuation order remains
in effect for Jacobs Circle. In the release, Stevens said the up-