Landslide Preparedness

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Maps

• Geologic maps. Search for a geologic map through your state geological survey or the USGS. Many geologic maps, especially those showing surficial geology, document landslides and their activity.

• Landslide inventory maps. Search for a landslide inventory map through your state geologic survey, city, or county. The USGS also compiles this landslide information. Note that landslide inventory mapping is incomplete for much of the US and that the lack of a mapped landslide doesn’t mean there isn’t a landslide hazard.  

   

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• Landslide susceptibility maps. A susceptibility map shows where a landslide may start and are usually built using a landslide inventory map. Search for landslide susceptibility maps through the state geologic survey, city, or county. Susceptibly maps are rare for many communities and if they do exist, often do not show runout (where a landslide may go). Runout can be just as dangerous as where the landslide starts and can impact those living on flat ground below a slope.

Community resources

• Planning department. Reach out to your local planning department and ask about landslide hazards in your area. Does the planning department address landslides in their codes? Do they have landslide hazard maps? Do they have lists of local professional geologists or engineers that you can hire and assess your property for landslide hazards?

• Conservation districts. Not all conservation districts have landslide expertise and if they do, they can be an excellent resource.

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Preparedness on your property

• Stormwater. Identify where your gutter, driveway, and other stormwater is flowing. During intense rain events or long rainstorms, gutters and driveways can concentrate water into undesirable places. If this stream of stormwater is flowing onto a slope, it could rapidly saturate the soil, weakening the slope and thereby increasing the chance of a landslide. If there is stormwater from your property flowing onto a slope, consider piping the water to the storm sewer, road ditch, or other artificial drainage network. Local restrictions may limit or prevent this, so talk with your local planning office or other building officials before proceeding.

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• Retain native vegetation on slopes. Native vegetation growing on slopes is often adapted to the site conditions and roots can contribute to stabilizing the slope. Removing native trees and vegetation could increase the slope’s susceptibility to landslides. Non-native vegetation, especially rapidly growing species, often decrease slope stability due to shallow rooting networks and excessive weight. Your local conservation district may be able to help identify plants suitable for your site, which could increase slope stability.
• Do not dispose of yard waste or other debris on a slope. Out of sight, out of mind isn’t true with debris on a slope. Debris can smother vegetation, reducing rooting strength, as well as add weight on the slope, increasing the likelihood of a landslide.  

• Hire a professional geologist or engineer with landslide experience. If you live in a region with known landslide issues, you can likely hire a geologist or engineer with experience in landslides that can visit your home to provide you an evaluation of landslide risk and offer mitigation solutions. Your local planning department may be able to direct you to professionals that are familiar with the local geology and landslide hazards. 

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• Have an emergency preparedness kit and evacuation plan. Build and regularly maintain an emergency kit and create and practice a household evacuation plan that includes your pets. 
• Work with your neighbors to help them understand the hazard. Neighbors living on or below a slope should work together to reduce their landslide risk. Landslides do not respect property lines.