Oregon Department of Geology Warns of Landslides

Thursday, December 17, 2015

GoLocalPDX News Team

In response to flood watches in effect for many areas of western Oregon and the heavy rains expected, the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries remind residents that landslides and debris flows are possible.

"Many landslides have occurred during the past week in areas across the state," said Bill Burns, engineering geologist at the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI). "With another round of rainfall, it will be very likely that we see more."

People, structures and roads located below steep slopes in canyons and near the mouths of canyons may be at serious risk. Caution should be used when traveling. According to DOGAMI, the most dangerous places include:
- Canyon bottoms, stream channels, and areas of rock and soil accumulation at the outlets of canyons.
- Bases of steep hillsides.
- Road cuts or other areas where slopes of hills have been excavated or over-steepened.
- Places where landslides or debris flows have occurred in the past. Find places where landslides have been mapped in the Statewide Landslide Information Database

For more information, visit the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries website.