Elaine Collins
Elaine is a geophysicist at the Geologic Hazards Science Center.
Elaine uses geophysical techniques and remote sensing to study landslides. She focuses on cataloging seismogenic mass movements, analyzing exotic seismic signals, and exploring passive seismic methods.
Professional Experience
2022 – Present: Geophysicist, USGS Geologic Hazards Science Center, Golden, CO
2021-2022: Student Intern, USGS Geologic Hazards Science Center, Golden, CO
Education and Certifications
Colorado School of Mines, MS, 2022, Geophysics
Northern Arizona University, BS, 2019, Geology
Science and Products
Simulation and modeling output and geospatial data from the 2023 Peters Dome landslide (Alaska) Simulation and modeling output and geospatial data from the 2023 Peters Dome landslide (Alaska)
This data release includes four files supporting Toney and others (2026), a study of the 2023 Peters Dome landslide. The Peters Dome landslide was a 6.1 million m3 ice–rock avalanche in Denali National Park and Preserve (Alaska) that occurred on September 13, 2023, local time. The coordinates of the source area are (63.1423°, -151.1871°). The files are: A CSV file of the forces exerted...
Landslides Triggered by the 2025 M8.8 Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia Earthquake Landslides Triggered by the 2025 M8.8 Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia Earthquake
We present an inventory of 346 landslides triggered by the July 29, 2025 M8.8 Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia earthquake. Landslides were mapped from 10 meter resolution openly available Sentinel-2 optical images. All landslides were manually identified by comparing pre- (using cloud free images as close to the earthquake date as possible from July 2024 - 2025) and post-earthquake real color...
Preliminary Landslide Inventory for Landslides Triggered by Hurricane Helene (September 2024) Preliminary Landslide Inventory for Landslides Triggered by Hurricane Helene (September 2024)
We present a preliminary point inventory of landslides triggered by Hurricane Helene, which impacted southern Appalachia between September 25 and 27, 2024. This inventory is a result of a rapid response mapping effort led by the U.S. Geological Survey’s Landslide Assessments, Situational Awareness, and Event Response Research (LASER) project. LASER collaborated with state surveys and...
Imagery and digital surface model for the Slumgullion landslide, Lake City, Colorado, June 3, 2024 Imagery and digital surface model for the Slumgullion landslide, Lake City, Colorado, June 3, 2024
This dataset contains a point cloud (Slumgullion_PointCloud.laz), 1-meter digital surface model (Slumgullion_DSM.tif), and orthoimagery (0.1-meter resolution) (Slumgullion_Ortho.tif) of the active portion of the Slumgullion landslide in Lake City, Colorado. The Slumgullion landslide is a translational slide with a continuously moving, active portion and an inactive portion. 896 photos...
UAV imagery and digital elevation data for the debris slide in Chaos Canyon, 28 June 2022, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. UAV imagery and digital elevation data for the debris slide in Chaos Canyon, 28 June 2022, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado.
This dataset contains a point cloud (HalletPeak_PointCloud.las), digital elevation model (HalletPeak_DEM.tif), and orthoimagery (HalletPeak_Ortho.tif) of a debris slide originating on the southeast flank of Hallett Peak and sliding into Upper Chaos Canyon in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, USA. The slide occurred on 28 June 2022, and imagery was obtained on 15 July 2022. These...
Seismogenic Landslides and other Mass Movements (ver. 3.0, May 2025) Seismogenic Landslides and other Mass Movements (ver. 3.0, May 2025)
This data release is a compilation of known landslides and other mass movements that generated seismic signals observable on existing seismic networks. The data release includes basic information about each event such as location, volume, area, and runout distances as well as information about seismic detections and the location of seismic data, photos, maps, GIS files, and links to...
Rapid Response Landslide Inventory for the 14 August 2021 M7.2 Nippes, Haiti, Earthquake Rapid Response Landslide Inventory for the 14 August 2021 M7.2 Nippes, Haiti, Earthquake
We present a preliminary point inventory of the landslides associated with the M7.2 Nippes, Haiti, earthquake that occurred on August 14, 2021. The mapping was part of rapid response efforts to identify hazards for situational awareness and emergency response by humanitarian aid organizations. This inventory accompanies an Open-File Report detailing the hazards presented by the...
Rapid seismic and infrasound assessment of large landslides: A case study from Denali National Park and Preserve (Alaska) Rapid seismic and infrasound assessment of large landslides: A case study from Denali National Park and Preserve (Alaska)
Large, rapid landslides are a global hazard that can occur in remote, mountainous areas. Eyewitness reports of landslides and satellite imagery can often be limited or delayed, particularly during inclement weather. However, landslide-generated seismic and infrasound (low-frequency atmospheric sound) waves can be remotely detected in near real-time. This information can significantly...
Authors
Liam Toney, Michael E. West, Ezgi Karasözen, Denny M Capps, Elaine A. Collins, Kate E. Allstadt, Jana Pursley, Heather McFarlin, Anne Mangeney, David Fee, Dennis M. Staley, Matthew M. Haney, John J. Lyons, John Bellini
Sackung at Bald Eagle ridge, central Colorado: An updated interpretation of ridge-spreading movement, structures, and mechanisms from 50 years (1975–2025) of U.S. Geological Survey research Sackung at Bald Eagle ridge, central Colorado: An updated interpretation of ridge-spreading movement, structures, and mechanisms from 50 years (1975–2025) of U.S. Geological Survey research
Slow gravitational failures of mountain peaks and ridges are poorly understood. Herein, we report on 50 years of studies at a slowly spreading castellate ridge in the Sawatch Range in central Colorado. The orientations of geomorphic-structural features indicate that the fractured Precambrian granitic rock underlying the ridge has extended and spread northwestward toward the formerly...
Authors
Jeffrey A. Coe, Nikita N. Avdievitch, Kate E. Allstadt, Elaine A. Collins, Erin K. Jensen, Olivia J. Hoch, Lauren N. Schaefer, Chester A. Ruleman, Jonathan W. Godt, Vince Matthews
The 2022 Chaos Canyon landslide in Colorado: Insights revealed by seismic analysis, field investigations, and remote sensing The 2022 Chaos Canyon landslide in Colorado: Insights revealed by seismic analysis, field investigations, and remote sensing
An unusual, high-alpine, rapid debris slide originating in ice-rich debris occurred on June 28, 2022, at 16:33:16 MDT at the head of Chaos Canyon, a formerly glacier-covered valley in Rocky Mountain National Park, CO, USA. In this study, we integrate eyewitness videos and seismic records of the event with meteorological data, field observations, pre- and post-event satellite imagery, and...
Authors
Kate E. Allstadt, Jeffrey A. Coe, Elaine A. Collins, Francis K. Rengers, Anne Mangeney, Scott M. Esser, Jana Pursley, William L. Yeck, John Bellini, Lance R. Brady
Landslides triggered by the August 14, 2021, magnitude 7.2 Nippes, Haiti, earthquake Landslides triggered by the August 14, 2021, magnitude 7.2 Nippes, Haiti, earthquake
The August 14, 2021, magnitude 7.2 Nippes, Haiti, earthquake triggered thousands of landslides on the Tiburon Peninsula. The landslides directly caused fatalities and damage and impeded response efforts by blocking roads and causing other infrastructure damage. Adverse effects of the landslides likely will continue for months to years. This report presents an assessment of potential...
Authors
Sabrina N. Martinez, Kate E. Allstadt, Stephen L. Slaughter, Robert G. Schmitt, Elaine A. Collins, Lauren N. Schaefer, Sonia Ellison
Science and Products
Simulation and modeling output and geospatial data from the 2023 Peters Dome landslide (Alaska) Simulation and modeling output and geospatial data from the 2023 Peters Dome landslide (Alaska)
This data release includes four files supporting Toney and others (2026), a study of the 2023 Peters Dome landslide. The Peters Dome landslide was a 6.1 million m3 ice–rock avalanche in Denali National Park and Preserve (Alaska) that occurred on September 13, 2023, local time. The coordinates of the source area are (63.1423°, -151.1871°). The files are: A CSV file of the forces exerted...
Landslides Triggered by the 2025 M8.8 Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia Earthquake Landslides Triggered by the 2025 M8.8 Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia Earthquake
We present an inventory of 346 landslides triggered by the July 29, 2025 M8.8 Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia earthquake. Landslides were mapped from 10 meter resolution openly available Sentinel-2 optical images. All landslides were manually identified by comparing pre- (using cloud free images as close to the earthquake date as possible from July 2024 - 2025) and post-earthquake real color...
Preliminary Landslide Inventory for Landslides Triggered by Hurricane Helene (September 2024) Preliminary Landslide Inventory for Landslides Triggered by Hurricane Helene (September 2024)
We present a preliminary point inventory of landslides triggered by Hurricane Helene, which impacted southern Appalachia between September 25 and 27, 2024. This inventory is a result of a rapid response mapping effort led by the U.S. Geological Survey’s Landslide Assessments, Situational Awareness, and Event Response Research (LASER) project. LASER collaborated with state surveys and...
Imagery and digital surface model for the Slumgullion landslide, Lake City, Colorado, June 3, 2024 Imagery and digital surface model for the Slumgullion landslide, Lake City, Colorado, June 3, 2024
This dataset contains a point cloud (Slumgullion_PointCloud.laz), 1-meter digital surface model (Slumgullion_DSM.tif), and orthoimagery (0.1-meter resolution) (Slumgullion_Ortho.tif) of the active portion of the Slumgullion landslide in Lake City, Colorado. The Slumgullion landslide is a translational slide with a continuously moving, active portion and an inactive portion. 896 photos...
UAV imagery and digital elevation data for the debris slide in Chaos Canyon, 28 June 2022, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. UAV imagery and digital elevation data for the debris slide in Chaos Canyon, 28 June 2022, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado.
This dataset contains a point cloud (HalletPeak_PointCloud.las), digital elevation model (HalletPeak_DEM.tif), and orthoimagery (HalletPeak_Ortho.tif) of a debris slide originating on the southeast flank of Hallett Peak and sliding into Upper Chaos Canyon in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, USA. The slide occurred on 28 June 2022, and imagery was obtained on 15 July 2022. These...
Seismogenic Landslides and other Mass Movements (ver. 3.0, May 2025) Seismogenic Landslides and other Mass Movements (ver. 3.0, May 2025)
This data release is a compilation of known landslides and other mass movements that generated seismic signals observable on existing seismic networks. The data release includes basic information about each event such as location, volume, area, and runout distances as well as information about seismic detections and the location of seismic data, photos, maps, GIS files, and links to...
Rapid Response Landslide Inventory for the 14 August 2021 M7.2 Nippes, Haiti, Earthquake Rapid Response Landslide Inventory for the 14 August 2021 M7.2 Nippes, Haiti, Earthquake
We present a preliminary point inventory of the landslides associated with the M7.2 Nippes, Haiti, earthquake that occurred on August 14, 2021. The mapping was part of rapid response efforts to identify hazards for situational awareness and emergency response by humanitarian aid organizations. This inventory accompanies an Open-File Report detailing the hazards presented by the...
Rapid seismic and infrasound assessment of large landslides: A case study from Denali National Park and Preserve (Alaska) Rapid seismic and infrasound assessment of large landslides: A case study from Denali National Park and Preserve (Alaska)
Large, rapid landslides are a global hazard that can occur in remote, mountainous areas. Eyewitness reports of landslides and satellite imagery can often be limited or delayed, particularly during inclement weather. However, landslide-generated seismic and infrasound (low-frequency atmospheric sound) waves can be remotely detected in near real-time. This information can significantly...
Authors
Liam Toney, Michael E. West, Ezgi Karasözen, Denny M Capps, Elaine A. Collins, Kate E. Allstadt, Jana Pursley, Heather McFarlin, Anne Mangeney, David Fee, Dennis M. Staley, Matthew M. Haney, John J. Lyons, John Bellini
Sackung at Bald Eagle ridge, central Colorado: An updated interpretation of ridge-spreading movement, structures, and mechanisms from 50 years (1975–2025) of U.S. Geological Survey research Sackung at Bald Eagle ridge, central Colorado: An updated interpretation of ridge-spreading movement, structures, and mechanisms from 50 years (1975–2025) of U.S. Geological Survey research
Slow gravitational failures of mountain peaks and ridges are poorly understood. Herein, we report on 50 years of studies at a slowly spreading castellate ridge in the Sawatch Range in central Colorado. The orientations of geomorphic-structural features indicate that the fractured Precambrian granitic rock underlying the ridge has extended and spread northwestward toward the formerly...
Authors
Jeffrey A. Coe, Nikita N. Avdievitch, Kate E. Allstadt, Elaine A. Collins, Erin K. Jensen, Olivia J. Hoch, Lauren N. Schaefer, Chester A. Ruleman, Jonathan W. Godt, Vince Matthews
The 2022 Chaos Canyon landslide in Colorado: Insights revealed by seismic analysis, field investigations, and remote sensing The 2022 Chaos Canyon landslide in Colorado: Insights revealed by seismic analysis, field investigations, and remote sensing
An unusual, high-alpine, rapid debris slide originating in ice-rich debris occurred on June 28, 2022, at 16:33:16 MDT at the head of Chaos Canyon, a formerly glacier-covered valley in Rocky Mountain National Park, CO, USA. In this study, we integrate eyewitness videos and seismic records of the event with meteorological data, field observations, pre- and post-event satellite imagery, and...
Authors
Kate E. Allstadt, Jeffrey A. Coe, Elaine A. Collins, Francis K. Rengers, Anne Mangeney, Scott M. Esser, Jana Pursley, William L. Yeck, John Bellini, Lance R. Brady
Landslides triggered by the August 14, 2021, magnitude 7.2 Nippes, Haiti, earthquake Landslides triggered by the August 14, 2021, magnitude 7.2 Nippes, Haiti, earthquake
The August 14, 2021, magnitude 7.2 Nippes, Haiti, earthquake triggered thousands of landslides on the Tiburon Peninsula. The landslides directly caused fatalities and damage and impeded response efforts by blocking roads and causing other infrastructure damage. Adverse effects of the landslides likely will continue for months to years. This report presents an assessment of potential...
Authors
Sabrina N. Martinez, Kate E. Allstadt, Stephen L. Slaughter, Robert G. Schmitt, Elaine A. Collins, Lauren N. Schaefer, Sonia Ellison