We often hear from one expert
(Chris Goldfinger) when it comes to how likely it is Portland will experience damage from an earthquake.
Let's take a step back for a moment to
hear from Professional Engineer Andrew J
McCann, who had this to say on the matter recently:
***
Education is the key to enlightenment.
Earthquakes occur on a daily basis - most very small, some very large.
Will
a quake occur beneath Portland - only minor ones if any at all. Which
means we will not bare the full force of a quake in our area of the
world. When the news writes a quake of 9.5 will hit Portland - that
gets everyone's attention, even in New York City! However, that is the
maximum anticipated quack at the epicenter - that point over the quake
it's self! Not what we will feel in Portland.
Will
Major quakes occur around Portland - that's a broad question - the
closest possible quake would come from the Cascadia Subduction zone 350
miles away - and/or Mount Hood located approximately 78 miles from the
center of Portland - estimated maximum at a 9.5 at the Epicenter at the
Casdadia seduction line. So we would probably see much less damage than
occured in Santiago Chile; and nothing like the damage seen in the
coastal towns of Chille located just 30 miles from the quakes epicenter.
Straight
of Juan de Fuca Tectonic Plates - AKA Juan De Fuca Plate is
approximately 1000 miles from the center of down town Portland. and
extends from entry to the straight of Juan de Fuca, out into the pacific
about 1000 miles, then back towards Eureka, California.
While
the massive quakes off the coast of Japan and Chille damaged local
towns and cities, the real damage came from the Tidal Waves/Tsunami's
that occurred as a result of the quake. Note: Japanese quake was
approximately 60 miles offshore while the Chilaen quake was only 20
miles off shore - and we are 78 miles from Mount Hood and 800 miles from
the Straight of Juan De Fuca fault!
Tsunami's
are deadly for those living on the coast. However, studies by Oregon
State University have noted that the tide would rise to a point 6 feet
above flood stage in Astoria and by Longview - no change would be noted.
Besides, I don't think a 100 foot high wave would make it over the
coast range! Even the Tsunami free zones are marked in blue located on
the west side of highway 101 thru Newport, Oregon. So lets not
think/worry any more about a tidal wave taking out the bridges and
washing away downtown Portland.
Most
quake's intensity is strongest within the first 20 to 40 miles of the
epicenter - where most of the cities have major damage. So being 78
miles from mount hood 300 miles from the Cascadia Subduction zone gives
us a lot of breathing room. Also, death tolls and injuries are minimal
due to the rocking and rolling of the quake; while most people and
homes are damaged/lost from the following tidal wave.
While
I concur with our leaders that we must do something, the probability of
a quake from the Mount Hood area is fairly minimal; and the Cascadia
Zone - 10% probability of occurring in the next 50 years. We should not
make a Knee Jerk reaction to something that requires thought and
planning.
We
should think about what we can do over the next 50 years to limit
impact of falling structures, saving lives and take into account the
cost to the general public.
My
family and I own 5 of these URMB structures. However, as a
Professional Engineer I must position myself to perform the duties I'm
charged with: To Safe Guard the Public followed by Property and well
being of all that there is.
We
must prioritize what is most important, allocating resources in a
logical manor and using methodical methods to prepare for what ever may
come - whether it be an eruption, tidal wave, plane wreck or earthquake.
Last
but not least - listen and watch the animals, as for centuries, people
have noted wild life moving in droves to safety, hours before a major
earthquake/tsunami occurs - would it not be more prudent/cost effective
to place locators on all animals around Mount Hood and along the Pacific
Coast; then notify people in those danger zones of an impending Quake
or Tsunami???
Mt. View Apartment consists of eight one-story duplexes. Each unit has an attached, direct-entry garage and private, fenced backyards. The asset is less than one mile from Newberg’s downtown and George Fox University.
