Accelerating Erosion at Kincaid Beach

Observation by Mike Brook:

The erosion of the bluff overlooking the beach has definitely accelerated this summer. The hillside has been much more robust in previous years. This year, it appears to be sliding toward the beach in many places. The main entry path to the beach has begun crumbling, though that is potentially due to foot traffic.

Joe Meehan, Statewide Lands and Refuges Program Coordinator at the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, writes:

I have also observed a significant increase in erosion of the dunes and bluff from Point Campbell and eastward toward the Jodhpur area of Kincaid Park. However, the erosion has NOT affected (so far) the area of the old landfill at Jodhpur. I suspect this summer’s higher tide cycles corresponded with southerly winds and contributed significantly to the increased erosion. With the decline of winter ice, I suspect this erosion will increase over the years. My observations here are that the bluff is naturally eroding and contributes sand and gravel to the muddy beach below. This material generally migrates easterly and over time contributes material to the vegetated marshlands found within the refuge below Judhpur area. At the rate it’s going, the erosion will eventually impact the trails located at the top of the bluff. 10/19/2018

Thomas Ravens, Professor of Civil Engineering at the University of Alaska Anchorage, writes:

My sense is that timely action to prevent further erosion of the Point Woronzof bluff is warranted. We either act now to protect valuable infrastructure. Or, act after the infrastructure is severely impacted and great costs are born. Eventually, we will need to act. Early action will minimize overall costs. 10/19/2018

Comments from LEO Editors:

The area below the bluffs at Kincaid Park are part of the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge, while the woodlands and coastal bluff above the beach were incorporated in to Kincaid Park, managed by the Anchorage Municipality. The bluffs became a dumping ground for vehicles damaged during the 1964 Good Friday earthquake, a practice that continued until the late 1970's. In an effort to protect the area wildlife habitats, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game began cleaning up the bluff and wetlands in 2007, taking care to remove debris in a way that did not cause further erosion. In 2011, a coastal refuge restoration project that continued clean up efforts included a bluff stabilization component. In July of 2017, the Youth Employment Parks Team worked to build a new trail in the woodland above the bluff to reduce erosion caused by foot traffic.