Typhoon Halong made landfall in southwest Alaska both on October 11th and again on the 12th, 2025. It completely destroyed the larger archaeological site, referred to as the Nunalleq site, in Quinhagak. In addition, the storm harshly impacted the city and region’s infrastructure. It opened a treasure trove of artifacts from the permafrost, providing an unprecedented glimpse into early Yup’ik life.
Richard Arden Knecht is an emeritus senior lecturer in archaeology at the University of Aberdeen. He has spent the last 17 years studying the Nunalleq project. It’s his work that highlights the cultural importance of the site, which has been explored by archaeologists since 2009. The recent storm, Hurricane Ida, added a new level of urgency to this research. Knecht and his team are preparing for a fall 2026 “salvage excavation” to recover artifacts exposed by the rampant erosion.
The Impact of Typhoon Halong
Typhoon Halong severely damaged communities all over southwest Alaska, and there were concerns that much of Quinhagak’s critical infrastructure could be compromised. Homes, a sewage lagoon, and local fish camps faced immediate threats from erosion exacerbated by the storm’s winds and rainfall. The ramifications went further than the immediate threat to public safety.
As a consequence of the storm’s effect, artifacts were scattered from the Nunalleq site. Approximately 1,000 pieces were recovered following the storm, but estimates suggest that up to 100,000 additional items may have been dispersed. Artifacts such as wooden masks, tools, fishing lures, spoons and toys were found. These impressive works provide an amazing insight into Yup’ik society and culture.
Knecht characterized the site as being in a “raw” state. Typhoon Halong’s erosion brought these artifacts to light in places no one would have expected.
“We’ve got this raw site with artifacts popping off in every way,” – Richard Arden Knecht
The storm has made for a desperate time for archaeologists. They need to swiftly record, archive and protect what’s left of this priceless cultural legacy.
The Cultural Significance of Nunalleq
The Nunalleq site’s archaeological riches have the potential to teach us a great deal about early Yup’ik life. Our settlement has a vividly colonial history that extends back several centuries. It highlights the creativity, arts, spirituality, innovation, and life ways of the Yup’ik people. The artifacts recovered from this site are to them such tangible connections to all of that history.
Knecht adds that the biggest hurdle is in assessing what happens when parts of the site are damaged.
“When there are holes or disturbances in the site, it’s like trying to read a book with holes in the pages. You’re going to miss a few things,” – Richard Arden Knecht
He goes on to discuss how large gaps can erode the story that historians are able to build from such archaeological evidence. Even with a more limited description of the damage, the narrative only gets more discombobulated.
“And the bigger those holes are, the weaker the story gets. There’s a few holes in the book right now,” – Richard Arden Knecht
These kinds of worries further emphasize the need for immediate excavation work to preserve parts of the buried past from erosive damage.
Future Excavation Plans
The active study and preservation efforts at Nunalleq came under new threats after Typhoon Halong passed through. Knecht and his team are preparing for a full-blown “rescue excavation” in the spring of 2026. They hope to explore layers that have been newly revealed. Implementing this approach will focus on the recovery of artifacts that would otherwise be lost to ongoing erosion.
Knecht notes:
“There was a big chunk where we’d only gone about halfway down and left it for later because we prioritized parts of the site that were most at risk from marine erosion,” – Richard Arden Knecht
As they prepare for the upcoming excavation season, they remain aware that they are effectively starting anew in some areas.
“So we’re starting from scratch again,” – Richard Arden Knecht
The warning signs Typhoon Halong brought serve as further reminders of nature’s astonishing strength and beauty. They underscore the fragility of archaeological sites such as Nunalleq.