A massive mountain rockslide occurred near Juneau, Alaska on Christmas Eve, causing the earth to shake. The slide occurred on a steep mountain slope with volcanic rock, which is more susceptible to weathering. The amount of material that fell is estimated to be 20 million cubic feet, enough to fill half of the Houston Astrodome. The landslide was not triggered by an earthquake, but rather built up gradually over several minutes. While the slide likely destroyed any salmon roe at the foot of the mountain, it is not expected to have a big impact on salmon runs overall. People who have cabins or recreate along the Taku River are warned to watch out for uprooted and dead trees washing downriver in the spring.