Landslides
Landslide is the general term for any type of downward movement of earth
material. Some landslides occur rapidly while others might take weeks
or longer to develop. Landslides usually occur in steep areas,
and can be caused by human activities as well as natural processes.Human activities
that trigger landslides are usually associated with construction that removes
material from the base, loads material at the top, or otherwise alters a slope.
Changing drainage patterns, groundwater level or slope and surface water can
cause landslides. Removal of vegetation from steep slopes can erode the integrity
of the ground and lead to landslides as well as general erosion.
Landslides are a significant hazard in the Juneau area because of the steep
slopes and heavy precipitation. Several very destructive landslides
have occurred in Juneau's history, especially in the area of Gastineau Avenue
and South Franklin Street. Today, building codes and ordinances are
in place to ensure that new construction will be able to withstand landslide
impacts.
What You Can Do
- Do not remove vegetation from steep slopes. Cutting brush and trees can
lead to destablization of soils and can cause landslides.
- Be aware of your home's proximity to landslide-prone areas. Contact
local officials, state geological surveys or departments of natural resources,
and university departments of geology. If you find that this is the
case, enlist the help of structural engineers when making changes to your
home or landscaping to be sure that you do not compromise the stability
of the slope.
- Watch the patterns of storm-water drainage on slopes near your home, and
especially the places where runoff water converges.
- Plant ground cover on slopes and/or build retaining walls.
- In mudflow areas, build channels or deflection walls to direct the flow
around buildings.
- Remember: If you build walls to divert debris flow onto a neighbor's property,
you could be liable for damages.
- Mudflow can be covered by flood insurance policies from the National Flood
Insurance Program. Flood insurance can be purchased through a local insurance
agency.
