Briefing on The Big One

Big waves approach Cape Perpetua--but not as big as those generated by The Big One.\Photo by Gus Gates.

The Cape Perpetua Winter Speaker Series is sponsoring a talk on that topic at the back of everyone’s mind, a Cascadian Subduction Zone earthquake and tsunami, aka The Big One.

Althea Rizzo, Geological Hazards Program Coordinator for the Oregon Economic and Community Development Department, speaks on “Cascadia: Ready or Not.”  Her talk takes place 11 a.m.-noon at the Cape Perpetua Visitor Center (2400 U.S. Hwy 101), about three miles south of Yachats.  She will discuss how to get started on preparing for the inevitable event, and says encouragingly that “you're probably more prepared than you think!”

We can’t resist a quote from Jackson Browne:

You can hold on steady, try to get ready

But everybody’s gonna get wet

Don’t think that it won’t happen just because it hasn’t happened yet

The event is free, but a Northwest Forest Pass, Oregon Coast Passport, federal recreation pass, or $5 day-use fee is required within the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area and at some trailheads and day use sites. For more information on this event, contact the Cape Perpetua Visitor Center at (541) 547-3289, or e-mail capeperpetuacommunications@gmail.com.