Though not exceptional in terms of absolute elevation, Lituya Mountain does possess great vertical relief over local terrain.

[2] On July 9, 1958, an earthquake along the Fairweather Fault loosened about 40 million cubic yards of rock above Lituya Bay.

[3] The wave destroyed lands and trees up to 1,719 feet (524 m) above sea level around the bay.

The edge located to the west of the Gilbert Inlet at the bottom of the Lituya Glacier (point opposite to the rock impact in the water) was the most affected place.

Other than registering as a magnitude 3.4 quake, it went unnoticed for a month until discovered by a pilot flying over the glacier.