Is Your Slope at Risk of Sliding?

Slope instability is a common problem for property owners in the Pacific Northwest because our hilly, wet conditions provide the ideal conditions for a landslide. It is important to remain vigilant in investigating slopes on and around your property, so you can recognize the warning signs of a landslide before it happens. Often, long before a major slide event the slope will show signs of danger or minor sliding.

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Landslide Warning Signs

  • Cracks or bulges in the ground, pavement or sidewalks near the slope
  • Soil migrating away from foundations
  • Structures such as decks, stairs and patios tilting or moving relative to the house
  • Tilting or cracked floors/foundations
  • Broken underground utilities
  • Leaning , trees, walls or fences
  • Sunken or down-dropped road beds
  • Water saturated soil or changes in drainage patterns on a slope
  • Newly sticking doors and windows
  • Water seepage through the base of a slope
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Landslide Contributing Factors

    • Water Saturated soils
    • Removal of vegetation on or around the slope
    • Improperly compacted fill during development
    • Steep banks that have been undercut by rivers or improper development
    • History of landslides in the area

If you observe any of these signs near a slope it may be prudent to leave the area and contact a professional civil engineer immediately for a slope assessment. If warning signs are very severe this may indicate an immediate threat to your property.

Contact Us

250 4th Ave S Suite 200 Edmonds, WA 98020

1910 Bickford Ave Suite G Snohomish, WA 98290

425.778.8500