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Online resources for landslide hazards and planning

Updated: June 18, 2002

General landslide information

Landslide publications and bibliographies

Comprehensive/General Plans that address landslides

Ordinances, zoning codes, and other regulations that address landslides

Landslide mitigation, abatement, prevention, etc.

Insurance for landslide risks

Causes of landslides

Landslides in combination with other hazards

Geotechnical resources about landslides

Landslide mapping

Landslide emergency preparedness

Landslides in specific locations

Timeline of landslides from around the world

NOTE: If you have suggestions for new links, please send e-mail to landslides@planning.org.

General landslide information

National Landslide Information Center, USGS

A gateway to all of the United State s Geological Survey s landslide-related activities and publications.

Natural Hazards Center, University of Colorado, Boulder

Clearing house of information on all types of natural hazards, including landslides. Links to publications, studies, maps and other geologic hazard-related information.

The International Landslides Research Group

An informal group of individuals interested in landslides that publishes an online newsletter

National Academy of Sciences: National Landslide Hazard Mitigation Strategy Project

Hazards Research Lab- Department of Geography, University of South Carolina

General hazard information, not specific to landslides. Many publications available, including a handbook for conducting a hazard assessment at the county level.

Landslide publications and bibliographies

USGS List of Landslide Publications

Many available for view online, others downloadable.

Natural Hazards Center at the University of Colorado List of Publications

Many available for downloading or viewing online, others for purchase.

Bibliography of Caribbean Landslides

Coastal Marine Geology Publications  Maine Department of Conservation

Socio-Economic and Environmental Impacts of Landslides in the Western Hemisphere

U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 01-0276. 2001. By Robert L. Schuster and Lynn M. Highland, U.S. Geological Survey, U.S.A.

Comprehensive/General Plan elements that address landslides

Alaska:

Petersburg, Alaska: 2000 Comprehensive Plan

Arizona:

Flagstaff, Ariz.: 1999 Regional Draft Plan

Mesa, Ariz.: Chapter 12 Safety Element

Paradise Valley, Ariz.: General Plan

Peoria, Ariz.: Chapter 13 Safety Element

Surprise, Ariz.: Section 4.8 Environmental Planning/ Water Resources Element

Yuma, Ariz: Chapter 9 Safety Element

California:

City of Grass Valley, Calif: Chapter 7, Safety Element

Placer County, Calif.: Section 8 of the Health and Safety Element

Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif.: General Plan

City of Sausalito, Calif: Chapter 7, Health and Safety Element

Colorado:

Boulder County, Colo.: Geologic Hazards and Constraints Section

Colorado Springs, Colo.: Project Impact (FEMA s buyout program)

Parker, Colo.: Environmental Hazards Element

Georgia:

DeKalb County, Ga.: Natural and Historic Resources Element

Land Use Element

Goals, Objectives, Policies and Action Strategies

Hawaii:

Hawaii County, Hawaii: Natural Resources and Shoreline Goals

Idaho:

Boise, Idaho: Chapter 4, Environmental Hazards

Ketchum, Idaho: Chapter 2.9, Natural Resources and Environmental Quality

Kentucky:

Campbell County, Ky.: Chapter III, Environmental Characteristics

Minnesota:

Northfield, Minn.: Land Use Element

Environmental Protection Element

Oregon:

Bend, Ore.: Chapter 10, Natural Forces

Utah:

Utah County, Utah: Comprehensive Plan Volumes 1-3

Washington:

Bainbridge Island, Wash.: Land Use Element

Carnation, Wash.: Chapter 10 Environmental Analysis

Chelan County, Wash.: Natural Systems/Critical Areas

Edgewood, Wash.: Natural Environment Element

Federal Way, Wash.: Natural Environment Element

Friday Harbor, Wash.: Environment section of the Land Use Chapter

Gig Harbor, Wash.: Chapters 1-3

Issaquah, Wash.: Land Use Element

Pierce County, Wash: Environment and Critical Areas Element

Pullman, Wash.: Land Use Element

Snohomish County, Wash.: Natural Environment

Spokane County, Wash.: Chapter 10 Natural Environment

Whatcom County, Wash.: Chapter 11 Environment

Yakima County, Wash.: Natural Setting: Goals and Policies

Ordinances, zoning codes, and other regulations that address landslides

Alaska:

Anchorage, Alaska: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 21.40.115 R-10 Residential Alpine/Slope District

Juneau, Alaska: Code of Ordinances, Part II Chapter 49.70, Article II Hillside Development

Arizona:

Carefree, Ariz.: Zoning Ordinance, Slope Stabilization and Restoration of Disturbed Areas

Cave Creek, Ariz.: Zoning Ordinance, Section 12 Hillsides

Paradise Valley, Ariz.: Zoning Ordinance, Article XXII Hillside Building

Scottsdale, Ariz.: Zoning Code, Section 7.800 Environmentally Sensitive Lands

California:

Corte Madera, Calif.: Municipal Code, Chapter 18.18 II Hillside Land Capacity Overlay District

Placer County, Calif.: Municipal Code, Chapter 17.52 Geological Hazard Combining District

Richmond, Calif.: Municipal Code, Chapter 15.08.630 Hillside Subdivision Standards

Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif.: Municipal Code, Chapter 15.20 Moratorium on Land Use Permits

Colorado:

Douglas County, Colo.: Zoning Code, Section 31 Clearing, Grading, and Land Disturbance

Frisco, Colo.: Zoning Code, Chapter 180-20-O Development on Steep Slopes

Jefferson County, Colo.: Zoning Resolution, Section 44 Geologic Hazard Overlay District

Ouray County, Colo.: Land Use Code, Section 12 Geologic Hazard Area Regulations

San Miguel County, Colo.: Land Use Code, Article 5-404 Geologic Hazard Areas

Georgia:

DeKalb County, Ga.: Code of DeKalb County, Chapter 27, Article III, Division 4 Arabia Mountain Natural Resource Protection Overlay

Hawaii:

Kauai County, Idaho: County Code, Article 10 Constraint Districts

Idaho:

Blaine County, Idaho: Municipal Code, Title 9, Chapter 21 Mountain Overlay District

Kentucky:

Campbell County, Ky.: Zoning Code, Section 9.23 Hillside Development Controls

Lexington-Fayette Urban County, Ky.: Subdivision Regulations

Minnesota:

Northfield, Minn.: Northfield Code, Chapter 34, Article VII, Division 3, Design Standards

Article VIII, Division 2, Administration and Enforcement

Mississippi:

Brandon, Miss.: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 34, Article IV Land Disturbance and Erosion Control

Montana:

Billings, Mont.: City Code, Chapter 23, Subdivision Regulations

Nebraska:

Omaha, Neb.: Municipal Code, Chapter 55, Article XXI, Sec. 55-901 North Hills Environmental Resources Overlay

Nevada:

Sparks, Nev.: Municipal Code Chapter 20.99 Development on Slopes, Hilltops and Ridges

New Hampshire:

Nashua, N.H.: Revised Ordinances Article VII, Division 11 Planned Residential Developments

New Mexico:

Bernalillo County, N. Mex.: County Code, Chapter 74, Article IX Development Standards

Ohio:

Cincinnati, Ohio: Zoning Code, Chapter 1459 Environmental Quality District Regulations

Oregon:

Eugene, Ore.: Public Improvement Design Standards, Appendix B Standards for Geotechnical Analysis

Marion County, Ore.: Urban Zoning Code, Chapter XXX Geologically Hazardous Areas Overlay Zone

Multnomah County, Ore.: Zoning Code, Chapter 11.15 Hillside Development and Erosion Control

Salem, Ore.: Salem Revised Code, Chapter 69 Landslide Hazards Ordinance

Tillamook County, Ore.: Land Use Ordinance, Section 4.070 Development Requirements for Geologic Hazard Areas

Pennsylvania:

Pittsburgh, Pa.: Zoning Code, Chapter 906.04 Landslide-Prone Overlay District

Findlay County, Pa.: Zoning Code, Chapter 510 Steep Slope and Landslide-Prone Area Overlay District

Washington:

Bainbridge Island, Wash.: Municipal Code, Chapter 16.20.080 Geologically Hazardous Areas

Edmonds, Wash.: Building Code, 19.05 Building Permits Earth Subsidence and Landslide Hazard Areas

Mercer Island, Wash.: Unified Land Development Code, Chapter 19.07 Critical Lands

Spokane, Wash.: Zoning Code, 11.19.2528 Geologically Hazardous Areas

Tukwila, Wash.: Municipal Code, Chapter 18.45 Sensitive Areas Overlay

Tumwater, Wash.: Municipal Code, 16.20 Geologically Hazardous Areas

Wyoming:

Green River, Wyom.: Code of Ordinances, Appendix B, Chapter 8: Planned Unit Development Regulations

Landslide mitigation, abatement, prevention, etc.

United States Public Law 106-390, October 30, 2000: Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000

Provides a source of federal pre-disaster hazard mitigation funding. The funds can used  to support effective public-private natural disaster hazard mitigation partnerships; to improve the assessment of a community s vulnerability to hazards; or to establish hazard mitigation priorities, and an appropriate hazard mitigation plan, for a community. A portion of the funds can also be used for public information dissemination. Local governments must submit a hazard mitigation plan to be eligible for the funds. The law also provides for federal multi-hazard advisory maps in some states.

Recent Developments in Landslide Mitigation Techniques

An in depth technical explanations of mitigation techniques. A paper by J. David Roberts of Geolith Consultants in California, including diagrams.

Landslide Mitigation Efforts

Research by Protecting Our Ports, a project of USGS, Oregon State, University of Washington and others.

Avalanche/Landslide Mitigation in Alaska

Provides a list of links for landslide mitigation and preparedness.

 National Landslide Hazards Mitigation Strategy: A Framework for Loss Reduction

by Elliot C. Spiker and Paula L. Gori, USGS

Landslide Mitigation

Technical information about mitigating landslide hazards by US Army engineer, Dr. Lawson M. Smith.

Landslide Mitigation with Drainage Management

Provides information about the relationships between water, erosion, and instability and includes techniques to mitigate the hazard.

Managing Drainage on Coastal Bluffs

A site managed by the Washington Department of Ecology to help coastal landowners mitigate landslide hazards through proper drainage techniques.

By a Landslide -- Creating a Geologic Hazard-Abatement District

How to create a GHAD in California by Daniel J. Curtin, Jr.

Reducing Landslide and Stormwater Erosion Damage: What You Can Do

A publication from the city of Seattle Department of Design, Construction and Land Use including how to take preventative action and how to look for symptoms of hazards.

Landslide Hazard Assessment and Mitigation for Cultural Heritage Sites and Other Locations of High Societal Value

A current project of the International Geological Correlation Program (a division of UNESCO).

Insurance for landslide risks

Not so Fast (Private Sector Coverage in California)

Montgomery & Collins, a California-based Lloyd s coverholder, insures landslide risks

Fact Sheet: Landslides (Insurance)

Washington State Insurance Commissioner provided information about obtaining landslide risk insurance coverage

Insurance Related Resources

A list of insurance agents associations

Landslide Insurance Offered

California homeowners can buy expensive landslide insurance, but not all homeowners are eligible.

Natural Disaster Property Loss Reduction

By Eugene Lecomte

The Impact of Catastrophes on Property Insurance

Executive summary of a study that examines catastrophic events and the stresses  economic and otherwise  recent catastrophes have caused the industry; the potential financial problems insurers, reinsurers, and other risk-bearers would face if a major catastrophe were to hit a heavily populated urban area; the steps that have already been taken and suggestions for other actions to help handle future catastrophe losses; and some new directions that are under consideration to produce more accurate loss costs for catastrophes.

US Insurance Industry Perspectives on Global Climate Change

By Evan Mills, Eugene Lecomte and Andrew Peara.

Earthquakes: Risks and Insurance Issues

Information from the Insurance Information Institute about landslides and their association with earthquakes. Explains the lack of insurance opportunities for landslides and proposes causes for such a lack of insurance.

Mine Subsidence Insurance in Pennsylvania

Causes of landslides

Clear-cutting Causes Landslides

Umpqua Watershed (Oregon) protection group provides information about clear cutting of forests and landslides.

Landslides Triggered by Earthquakes

Provides summaries of several studies of earthquake-induced landsliding.

What Causes Landslides?

From British Columbia s Ministry of Energy and Mines. Discusses the configuration of slopes, weather, and other conditions that causes landslides.

The Science of Slides: A Primer on How Debris Flows Work

by Jen Shaffer Steep slopes, removal of vegetation, saturation and clear-cutting are just some of the causes of landslides discussed here.

Landslides in combination with other hazards

Common Questions about Avalanches

Includes safety travel techniques for areas with heavy snow.

Environmental Issues in the Northeastern US

A summary of earthquake, landslide and other geologic hazards in the northeastern US published by the Paleontological Research Institution.

Analysis and Mitigation of Earthquake-Induced Landslide Hazards

Chapter 5 of Guidelines for Evaluation and Mitigation of Seismic Hazards in California. Provides detailed information about conducting screening investigations to determine areas of landslide potential.

Landslides Triggered by Earthquakes

Brief coverage of what triggers landslides and how earthquakes and landslides are related.

Debris Avalanches and Volcanic Landslides

USGS description of the phenomenon with analysis and photos.

Landslides and Tsunamis

A short description of the causes of tsunamis

Landslides and Volcanoes

A description of volcanoes from the American Red Cross that includes hazards that occur as a result of volcanoes. Landslide hazards are described in relation to volcanoes.

Landslides Cause Tsunamis

Underwater landslides displace water, triggering tsunamis.

Geotechnical resources about landslides

Standards for Geotechnical and Engineering Geology Reports

A listing of what should be included in geotechnical and engineering geology reports and who should conduct them provided by Geolith consultants.

Geotechnical Experts Definitions

Definitions of geologist, geotechnical engineer and others provided by JCP Reports, a disclosure reports company.

The Record of Disastrous Landslides and Geotechnical Failures in Canada 1840-1999; Implications for Risk Management

by Stephen G. Evans

Geotechnical Review in Rancho Palos Verdes California

A technical evaluation of current geotechnical data relating to the Abalone Cove landslide in Rancho Palos Verdes. The landslide was last active in 1974.

Organizations and Web Sites for Geotechnical Engineering

Provided by the Earthquake Network.

Research from the Engineering Geology Research Group at the University of British Columbia

Covers modeling the dynamic behavior of rapid landslides design of debris flow/avalanche protective structures, brittle and ductile toppling of large rock slopes, failure behavior of landslides in clay and silt, risk assessment and hazard rating.

New Information on Predicting Landslides

Researchers at the University of Wrzburg in Germany have developed a probe to detect electrical effects used for predicting landslides.

Highlights of Recent Landslide Research

Edited by A. Ghazi, P. Balabanis, R. Casale, and M. Yeroyanni and published by the Climate and Natural Hazards Unit of the Environment and Climate Programme in Brussels. Entitled  Highlights of Results from Natural Hazards Research projects, 1997, includes a chapter on landslides.

When Land Slides

NASA s new imaging methods to monitor slope failure.

Virtual Library of Geotechnical Engineering

A list of internet resources concerning geotechnical engineering, including university sites, on-line journals and other information.

Landslide mapping

Landslide Overview Map of the Conterminous United States

By Dorothy H. Radbruch-Hall, Roger B. Colton, William E. Davies, Ivo Lucchitta, Betty A. Skipp, and David J. Varnes. Geological Survey Professional Paper 1183. Landslide incidence and susceptibility illustrated for major subdivisions of the US.

Geologic Mapping and Landslide Inventory of the West-central Portion of the Olympic Peninsula, Washington

A project of the University of Washington s Olympic Natural Resource Center. The project will inventory deep-seated landslides, accompanied by geologic maps.

Terrain Stability Mapping in British Columbia

A review of terrain stability mapping methods currently used in British Columbia and the Northwest United States.

Guidelines and Standards to Terrain Mapping in British Columbia

These standards are for all terrain mapping in British Columbia. By the Resource Inventory Committee on Surficial Geology Task Group, Earth Sciences Task Force, British Columbia government.

Forest Practices Code of British Columbia: Mapping and Assessing Terrain Stability

Guidebook

A guidebook for forest management that focuses on evaluating landslide hazards. The guidebook recommendations concentrate on terrain stability mapping and assessment with the purpose of reducing the landslide hazards in forest development areas.

Caribbean Disaster Mitigation Project (CDMP) Natural Hazard Mapping Resources Page

CDMP supports hazard assessments in the Caribbean, including assessments of landslide hazards. Some are site-specific, others are regional in scope.

Seattle Geologic Mapping Project

Includes maps of  critical areas which include areas of known sliding. A joint project of USGS, University of Washington and the city of Seattle.

Watersheds Mapping (includes landslides) in Northern California

The maps provide information on the geology and geomorphic features affecting landslides for watersheds in Northern California mapped by the California Department of Conservation and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

Mapping of Puget Sound Landslides

These maps are the basis for many local planning decisions in the Puget Sound area.

Probabilistic Methods Provide New Tools for Landslide Hazard Mapping

Using probabilistic models for landslide hazard assessment projects rather than more subjective tools of analysis such as aerial photographs. An article by William C. Haneberg in Earth Observation Magazine.

Draft Guidelines for Use of Landslide Susceptibility Maps

This site provides guidelines to landslide maps for Kingston, Jamaica. The guidelines help developers and planners determine site-suitability.

National Geologic Map Database

Managed by USGS, find hazards maps, geologic maps and others.

Map Finder

Find and order USGS maps.

What is a Geologic Map?

User-friendly information from USGS on using geologic maps.

A Digital Terrain Model for Mapping Shallow Landslide Potential

By William E. Dietrich and David R. Montgomery, 1998

Ecoregions Mapping

A system of land classification based on the ecoregions concept. Topography and soils are just two of many attributes used to classify land.

Landslide Mapping in Columbia

A UNESCO project that developed new methods for landslide mapping and created a susceptibility map for the upper Chicamocha Valley in Columbia.

Landslide Maps of Cass County, North Dakota and Clay County, Minnesota

Preliminary Map Showing Locations of Landslides in El Yunque Quadrangle, Puerto Rico

By Manuel R. Guariguata and Matthew C. Larsen, USGS

Map Showing Landslide Susceptibility in the Comero Municipality, Puerto Rico

By John E. Parks and Matthew C. Larsen, USGS

Landslide emergency preparedness

Debris-Flow Hazards in the San Francisco Bay Region

The city of Pacifica, CA provides this list of actions citizens can take if they live in a landslide hazard area.

Preparing for Landslides and Mudflows

Information about evacuation planning and insurance from the Washington State Emergency Management Division.

Fact Sheet for Landslides

Federal Emergency Management Agency s guide to emergency preparedness for landslides and mudflows.

Landslide Action Sheet

The California Earthquake Survival Program publication on preparing for a landslide.

Washougal River Basin Landslide Emergency Response Plan

The plan is a landslide hazard specific plan meant to supplement existing emergency response procedure. Several agencies in Clark County Washington are responsible for implementing this plan.

Hazards, Disasters and Survival: Chapter 10 Landslide Hazards and Disasters

Includes a brief review of landslides that have occurred in Australia and tips for preparing for landslide disasters.

American Red Cross: Landslide and Debris Flow

How to prepare a family disaster plan and other landslide preparation instructions from the American Red Cross.

Emergency Management Message Board by Turning Point Group

Post or read messages on emergency management for disasters and hazards.

Disaster Preparedness: Landslides

International Conference of Building Officials Los Angeles Basin chapter provides tips for preparing for a landslide before it occurs including what emergency supplies to have on hand, what to do when rain may cause a slide and how to prepare a family disaster plan.

Homeowner's guide to recognizing and reducing landslide damage on their property

Utah Geological Survey provided information about the location of landslides in Utah, how to detect landslide movement, and how to prepare for a disaster.

Homeowner s Guide to Geologic Hazards

Comprehensive guide including illustrations, checklist, and a list of other resources from the Vermont Geo. Survey.

Landslides in specific locations

Puget Sound Landslides

Prevention, maps, general information by the Washington Department of Ecology

San Francisco Bay Landslide Folio

Maps and data for assessing landslide hazards in the bay region.

Cincinnati, Ohio Department of Transportation and Engineering,