The Top 5 States Where Landslides Are a Major Threat

Are landslides threatening your home?

Landslides are a scary type of natural disaster that can devastate a whole neighborhood in seconds. Blink one time, and your home is gone.

They can happen anywhere across the United States, but the western part of the country is the most affected. When landslides happen, a mass of rocks and debris moves down a slope and no one can control it, creating mayhem in its way.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, landslides claim 25 to 50 lives annually, and most of this happens because they take place without any previous warning.

Are you living in a state that is landslide-prone? Read on and find out if you and your family are in danger.

1. Oregon

This is a beautiful place that has some of the most stunning landscapes of this country, but this is also one of the states that are threatened by landslides. These natural hazards affect thousands of residents annually and destroy infrastructure on a regular basis.

But what makes Oregon so susceptible to landslides? The unique geological makeup of this state and the frequent, heavy rainfall are the main factors to blame. The state’s geology is made of a mix of volcanic, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks, and all of them are prone to shifting and movement.

During the fall and winter months, the westernmost regions of Oregon experience substantial rainfall, and this amount of water increases the chances of a landslide happening.

2.  Idaho

This is a state with a diverse landscape. Steep slopes and mountain ranges—both of them combined with the weather—create the perfect conditions for landslides to happen.

The complex rock formations, including sedimentary, volcanic, and metamorphic rocks, especially in the areas that have a history of seismic activity and those with loose, unconsolidated soils, are the most prone to these disasters.

The main triggers of landslides in Idaho are heavy rainfall and snowmelt. In regions where winter snowfall is significant, the rapid melting of snow in spring can saturate the ground, increasing the likelihood of landslides.

Then deforestation and climate change are other factors that perturb the soil by stabilizing the slopes.

3. West Virginia

The Appalachian Mountains and the rolling hills are such a beautiful view. Unfortunately, the steep terrain, unstable geology, and frequent precipitation create the perfect conditions for landslides to take place.

In the Appalachian region, we can find steep slopes and rugged mountains that are covered by a thin layer of soil overlying bedrock, and when it gets disturbed by natural factors or human activities, landslides can be triggered. Sedimentary rocks like shale, sandstone, and limestone are all prone to erosion, and this increases the danger even more.

During the spring and summer months, it rains a lot in West Virginia, and all of this water makes the slopes more prone to landslides. Combine this with snow and ice that melts, and you get the perfect recipe for disaster.

The state’s long history of coal mining is another thing that made West Virginia one of the states where these natural disasters are a real threat.

4. California

This state is known for its diverse landscapes and seismic activity and, unfortunately, is also prone to landslides. Annually, these natural disasters cause property damage and threaten the lives of many people.

The main cause of landslides in California is heavy rainfall that destabilizes the slopes. This is a big problem, particularly during El Niño years, because the precipitation is increased. Earthquakes can also trigger landslides by shaking loose soil and rocks.

The regions that are the most prone to landslides are the San Francisco Bay Area, Southern California, and the Sierra Nevada. This happens because they are closer to the ocean and due to their steep slopes.

Then we have the regions that are affected by wildfires. The vegetation does a very good job of anchoring the soil, but when there is no more vegetation left, the area becomes prone to landslides.

5. Washington

This is another place where frequent rainfall is present. This combined with the diverse topography, and you have a state that is prone to landslides.

The most dangerous period of the year is the rainy season, which extends from November to March. Some particular regions are more predisposed than others: the Puget Sound region, the Olympic Peninsula, and the Cascade Mountains.

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and other agencies needed to take measures in order to prepare. Slope stabilization techniques, drainage systems, and early warning systems are all part of the plan, and until now it seems like they are doing wonders.

But despite all of the efforts, landslides are still a reality in the state of Washington, and people should always be ready and take steps to protect themselves and their property.

If you want to know more about landslides, this is a good book: Landslides (Pogo: Disaster Zone)

You should also read: 4 Major Man-Made Disasters