Tsunami Research and Tools

See below for tsunami hazard maps, evacuation maps, and additional resources to assist with tsunami preparedness.

Current tsunami status in Washington State can be seem at the National Weather Service’s U.S. Tsunami Warning System page. 

What to do when you’re expecting a tsunami

The below webinar, hosted by the Washington Emergency Management Division and the Washington Geological Survey, takes a deep dive into the impact of tsunamis along Washington’s 3,000 miles of Pacific and Salish Sea coastlines.

The webinar covers how you will be alerted if a tsunami is about to strike the state, as well as what to do before, during, and after a tsunami.

 Northwest Association of Networked Ocean Observing Systems (NANOOS)

NANOOS’ NVS Tsunami Evacuation Zones is an interactive mapping application that shows tsunami hazard areas, tsunami evacuation maps and infrastructure within tsunami hazard areas. Some of this information is also available via the Washington State Department of Natural Resources, below.

NANOOS’ Tsunami Evacuation App is a mobile application based on the NVS Tsunami Evacuation Zones map, which provides easy access to tsunami evacuation routes and hazard zones along the Washington and Oregon coastlines.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

NOAA’s Coastal Flood Exposure Mapper maps the people, places and natural resources exposed to tsunamis and other forms of coastal flooding. In addition, the tool provides guidance for using these maps to engage community members and stakeholders.

NOAA’s Office of Response and Restoration’s Environmental Response Management Application (ERMA) is an online mapping tool with a version specific to the Pacific Northwest. It can be used to upload, manage and share geospatial information in an online GIS environment.

NOAA’s Historical Map and Chart Collection contains historic maps of the United States coastlines, with maps of Washington’s coast dating back to early European exploration of the region in the 1700s. These maps are useful for understanding where streams and shorelines have been covered over by development, as these areas can liquify during earthquakes and limit evacuation options during a tsunami.

An overview of the NOAA Tsunami Program explains how the different components of the program are linked together, including NOAA’s Center for Tsunami Research with the latest research products, trainings and information.

Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR)

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) publishes and hosts geologic hazard information for Washington State on their Geologic Information Portal. Included are tsunami inundation maps, tsunami evacuation maps and tsunami simulation videos to help communities prepare for tsunamis. The Geologic Information Portal is also available as a smartphone app.

DNR’s Lidar Portal hosts high-resolution elevation maps and downloadable elevation data used for tsunami hazards studies and planning.

Washington State Emergency Management Division (EMD) 

The Washington State EMD Tsunami Page provides a vast array of tsunami information, prepardness basics, education materials, and planning materials. 

Several helpful resources include:

This list of resources is focused on state-wide information and resources produced by CHRN partners. Contact your city or county planning department for additional local information such as the latest Shoreline Master Program updates, Hazard Mitigation Plans, local maps and more.