Eroding Bluff Threatens Road

OBSERVATION: This bluff side has been eroding since 70s-80s. The road closed in 2005 or 2007. What used to be a road, now has just a narrow path to walk up, if careful. This erosion has always been happening, but has become much worse over the past weekend. It has been raining off and on since last month and this weekend was the most rain there was. We usually have this type of weather in fall season, August-September, but it started too soon. This erosion is endangering the home and residential area. The whole bluff side starting from this area is affecting other areas, such as a historical building and 3-4 residential homes. Cynthia Paniyak

LEO COMMENT: Chevak is one of 26 communities designated as "priority action community" in Alaska, by the U.S. Army Corp on Engineers. Alaska Baseline Erosion Report

RESOURCE: NOAA National Weather Service Alaska: The objective of the hydrologic service program of the NWS is to mitigate loss of life and property damages caused by floods by providing the nation with timely issuance of river and flood forecasts; to conduct the necessary research to implement and improve forecast and warnings; and to provide hydrometeorlogical data for broad application to water resource planning, flooding plain management, and operational programs. NWS Alaska-Pacific River Forecast Center

RESOURCE: State of Alaska Erosion Management Policy: Erosion threatens individual structures, roads, airports, utility infrastructure, and in some locales, entire communities (city, village, subdivision) can be at risk. This policy concerns state-funded and state pass-through funded construction. Other entities in Alaska who construct erosion control structures, or propose development near coastal waters or rivers, are encouraged to consider the following siting, design, and construction policies, read more.