Crescent City is recognized as one of the nation’s most susceptible spots when it comes to tsunamis. This is due to an offshore underwater ridge (the Mendocino Fracture Zone) which guides tsunamis in deeper water toward Crescent City. The rectangular shape of Crescent City’s harbor can enhance the impact as trapped waves “slosh” back and forth unable to escape. In 2014, the Crescent City Harbor District took on the herculean effort to build the first “tsunami-resistant” harbor, installing larger, more tsunami resistant pilings.

How to use this map

Download PDF here.

Locate where you live, work, and play. If you are in the yellow area and need to evacuate, get to higher ground as soon as possible — GO ON FOOT. Roads are likely to be impassable.

Official warnings

You may not feel a large earthquake from far away. Notifications that a Tsunami Warning has been issued may come via Wireless Emergency Alerts, TV, radio stations, door-to-door contact by emergency responders, NOAA weather radios, or in some cases, by outdoor sirens and announcements from airplanes. Sign up for County Alerts.

Natural warnings

Ground shaking, a loud ocean roar, or the water receding unusually far exposing the seafloor are all nature’s warnings that a tsunami may be coming. If you observe any of these warning signs, immediately walk to higher ground or inland. A tsunami may arrive within minutes and damaging surges are likely to occur for at least 12 hours or longer. Stay away from coastal areas until officials permit you to return.

Be prepared

• Know the best evacuation route — practice walking your route.
• Keep a “grab and go” survival kit by the door.
• Create emergency plans with family, coworkers, and neighbors.
• Consider how to evacuate pets — such as leashes and crates.
• Prearrange assistance from neighbors if you need help evacuating.
• Time is of the essence! The largest tsunami will come from an earthquake you will feel. Evacuate as soon as you can safely move.

Warning siren when a Tsunami event occurs.

1:00 minute long

Tsunami preparedness.

10:06 minutes long

This Self-Guided Tsunami Walking Tour Couldn’t Have Happened Without Generous Support From:

Bicoastal Media, Inc.
College of the Redwoods
City of Crescent City
Cholwell, Benz & Hartwick
Crescent City/Del Norte County
Chamber of Commerce
Crescent City Downtown
Business Improvement District
Crescent City Rotary Club
Darren McElfresh
Del Norte County Office
of Emergency Services
Del Norte Office Supply
Del Norte Sunrise Rotary Club
The Del Norte Triplicate
Gastineau Family Trust
Mary Dorman-State Farm Insurance
Harley & Jill Munger
Lighthouse Repertory Theatre
National Oceanic &
Atmospheric Administration, Eureka
Pacific Power
Recology Del Norte, Inc.
Redwood Coast Tsunami Team
Redwood Mural Society
Rural Human Services
Sutter Coast Hospital
Uncharted Shores Academy
 
Special thanks for providing photos and research goes to the Del Norte Historical Society