Following a weekend of heavy rain, and more in the forecast, state geologists are warning of the potential for landslides.
A landslide along on Newberry Road off Highway 30 shut down that road for most of Monday. State geologist Bill Burns called it a catastrophic slide in that it happened suddenly with little or no warning. Burns says the majority of the slides that occur in the West Hills happen much slower.
With more rain on the way, Burns said homeowners should be looking out for signs the earth below them may be moving.
Burns said to keep a close eye on the ground around the home. “Cracks developing in the ground, trees that have moved dramatically,” said Burns.
Burns also said homeowners should pay close attention to their actual homes. “If the floors start tilting, if the doors start jamming or the windows jam,” those can be signs that the land could be moving.
According to Burns, the main cause of landslides in Oregon is uncontrolled storm water run-off. For example, when it rains and the water just runs down the roads without a controlled route, that puts the slope at a risk for slide.
To learn more about landslides warnings and find out if you live in a landslide prone area, click here: Landslide Danger Info
