Low-cost precipitation monitoring to improve landslide forecasts in southeast alaskaproject period: june 01, 2025 - MAY31, 2026AWARD purpose:this project seeks to enhance landslide forecasting in…

This Cooperative Agreement award from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Research and Data Collection program (CFDA 15.808) provides $147,500 to the Sitka Sound Science Center in Alaska to enhance landslide forecasting in Southeast Alaska. The project will involve deploying a system of 10 tipping-bucket rain gauges to collect real-time precipitation data from mid-slope locations prone to landslides. The rainfall data will be integrated into an existing debris flow forecasting model to improve the accuracy of landslide risk predictions and increase public safety in the region. The project will also document the costs, equipment, and maintenance requirements to establish a replicable rainfall monitoring system for other communities in Southeast Alaska. Key deliverables include a comprehensive rainfall dataset, an evaluation report on the impact of localized precipitation data on forecasting accuracy, and a detailed installation and maintenance manual. The award period is from June 1, 2025 to May 31, 2026.

Activities

The sitka sound science center (sssc) will deploy a system of 10 tipping-bucket rain gauges(tbgs) in sitka, alaska, to monitor precipitation at various mid-slope elevations. The system willbe installed and maintained by sssc. Rainfall data will be collected from these gauges andtransmitted to the united states geological survey (USGS) biweekly for analysis. The data willbe compared to the current precipitation data used in sitka s landslide forecasting model, whichrelies on rainfall measurements from an airport weather station located 3 KM away from keylandslide-prone areas. The project will also involve documenting the costs, equipment, andmaintenance needs to establish a replicable rainfall monitoring system for other communities insoutheast alaska.deliverables and expected outcomes:1. A comprehensive rainfall dataset from the deployed TBG system, detailing precipitationpatterns from multiple locations and elevations along the sitka road system.2. A report evaluating the influence of localized precipitation data on landslide forecastingaccuracy.3. A detailed installation and maintenance manual that outlines the cost-effective setup, upkeep, and operation of a rainfall monitoring system.4. Enhanced forecasting capabilities for debris flow risks, as the project will demonstrate howintegrating mid-slope rainfall data improves landslide alert frequency compared to thecurrent model using airport data. The outcomes are expected to improve the landslide forecasting system s accuracy, contributing tobetter risk assessment and public safety. Furthermore, the project will create a model for expandingthe rainfall monitoring network in southeast alaska, which will be applicable to othercommunities with similar landslide risks.

Intended beneficiaries

The primary beneficiaries of this project are the residents of southeast alaska, particularly thoseliving in landslide-prone areas like sitka, where steep hillsides and heavy rainfall create significantlandslide risks. Evaluation of orographic effects will also benefit the national weather service.improved forecasting will provide communities with more accurate warnings, helping to reducethe potential loss of life and property damage from debris flows. Additionally, local governments, emergency responders, and environmental agencies will benefit from better data and moreeffective risk management tools.

Subrecipient activities

No subrecipient activities have been defined.