Mudslides/Landslides

Landslides and debris flows can occur anywhere, but communities situated near steep, unstable terrain are especially at risk. According to the United States Geological Survey, these dangerous ground failures are responsible for 25 to 50 deaths each year in the United States, along with billions in property damage. The heavy rainfall brought by atmospheric rivers and hurricanes destabilizes slopes, triggering tens of thousands of mudslides and landslides annually. Events like the 2022 Casitas Springs disaster in California, where a debris flow destroyed homes and infrastructure after the Alisal Fire, highlight the threats facing mountain towns and coastal settlements. As climate change increases precipitation extremes, at-risk areas must prioritize disaster planning and response capacity.

When landslides or mudslides trigger widespread destruction, overwhelm local services, disrupt critical infrastructure, or endanger lives, impacted communities rely on specialized contractors to augment response and recovery. Services may include damage and needs assessments, emergency protective measures, debris management, route clearance, temporary housing, infrastructure repair, geotechnical engineering, permitting assistance for reconstruction, vulnerable resident assistance, hazard mitigation planning, and more. With seasonal windows for slope failures growing under climate change impacts, establishing robust contingency contracts with technical specialists allows efficient mobilization when these catastrophic events unfold. For communities prone to catastrophic ground failures, having experts ready to assist can make the difference between barely coping with calamity and confidently bounding back better prepared for the future.