UTAH

Utah Geological Survey monitoring 100 landslide locations across the state

Apr 24, 2023, 8:54 AM | Updated: Oct 19, 2023, 11:38 am

NORTH SALT LAKE — From snowfall to flooding, rockfalls and landslides, Utah Geological Survey geologists have a big job to do, monitoring dozens of landslide locations throughout the state.

One of the locations they are monitoring is Springhill Drive Landslide Geologic Park.

In 1998, 18 homes stood in what is now just open space managed by North Salt Lake. The homes eventually had to go due to a landslide and the safety concerns in the area.

“Eventually, the whole neighborhood had to be demolished,” said Greg McDonald, a UGS geologist.

The thing is, years later, that landslide is still moving. Since 2014, UGS geologists McDonald and Ben Erickson say there has been about 20 inches of movement.

They have not measured since 2020 because of the dry years. This year, with all the snowpack melting, they said that could change.

“We come up and take the measurements,” said Erickson. “I try and do it earlier now so that I can then remeasure in the summer to see how much change happens.”

The Utah Geological Survey has been watching around 100 landslide locations, give or take, as some landslides may happen in an area where they do not impact people.

After a landslide, geologists like McDonald and Erickson may be contacted by cities, homeowners or landowners to evaluate the area. Recently, that has looked like visits to Kaysville, Fruit Heights, Emigration Canyon, and most recently, Mountain Green.

“As we’re studying this one, we’re aware of the material that it’s in and identifying what it actually takes to make it move,” Erickson said.

They also are in charge of building maps. That is, they identify and map out hazards.

They said more communities are getting more savvy when it comes to being proactive about addressing landslides, as many require geotechnical studies or define fault-related problems.

Even still, nature will take its toll, and the geologists expect a busy season ahead.

 

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Utah

SWAT...

Kennedy Camarena

Suspect arrested after standoff with SLCPD and SWAT team

SLCPD and SWAT arrested a 26-year-old man Thursday night for threatening a woman. He reportedly said he was going to kill her and then pulled out a knife.

30 minutes ago

a person pumps gas, which is expected to lower in price in 2023...

Andrew Adams, KSL TV

Data shows significant uptick in gas prices over past month in Salt Lake area

AAA gas prices showed Utah with an average price of $3.77 as of Thursday morning, up from nearly $3.13 a month ago.

3 hours ago

Killer Mike poses in the press room with three trophies he won at the 66th annual Grammy Awards on ...

Carter Williams, KSL.com

Recent Grammy winners highlight Ogden Twilight Concert Series lineup

Hip hop star Michael Render, known by his stage name Killer Mike, fresh off of three Grammy Award wins last month, is one of several musical artists set to headline this year's Ogden Twilight Concert Series.

13 hours ago

pets...

Curt Gresseth

Don’t surrender pets to a shelter. Send in a pro to reverse bad behavior, says Utah trainer

An expert discusses controlling the unwanted behavior of pets.

16 hours ago

Exclusive video obtained by KSL NewsRadio shows Salt Lake hit-and-run in the Avenues neighborhood. ...

Eric Cabrera

WATCH: Exclusive video shows woman survives Salt Lake City hit and run

KSL NewsRadio has exclusively obtained footage of a Salt Lake City hit-and-run, where a woman was struck while out for a run in the Avenues.

16 hours ago

(Eric Cabrera, KSL NewsRadio)...

Simone Seikaly

Possible carjacking in West Valley City leads to car fire, ramp closure

The UHP said a car was following another car eastbound on the 201 and moved onto the ramp toward NB I-15 when one car rolled and caught fire.

19 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Mother and cute toddler child in a little fancy wooden cottage, reading a book, drinking tea and en...

Visit Bear Lake

How to find the best winter lodging in Bear Lake, Utah

Winter lodging in Bear Lake can be more limited than in the summer, but with some careful planning you can easily book your next winter trip.

Happy family in winter clothing at the ski resort, winter time, watching at mountains in front of t...

Visit Bear Lake

Ski more for less: Affordable ski resorts near Bear Lake, Utah

Plan your perfect ski getaway in Bear Lake this winter, with pristine slopes, affordable tickets, and breathtaking scenery.

front of the Butch Cassidy museum with a man in a cowboy hat standing in the doorway...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking Back: The History of Bear Lake

The history of Bear Lake is full of fascinating stories. At over 250,000 years old, the lake has seen generations of people visit its shores.

silhouette of a family looking over a lake with a bird in the top corner flying...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

8 Fun Activities To Do in Bear Lake Without Getting in the Water

Bear Lake offers plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy without having to get in the water. Catch 8 of our favorite activities.

Wellsville Mountains in the spring with a pond in the foreground...

Wasatch Property Management

Advantages of Renting Over Owning a Home

Renting allows you to enjoy luxury amenities and low maintenance without the long-term commitment and responsibilities of owning a home.

Clouds over a red rock vista in Hurricane, Utah...

Wasatch Property Management

Why Southern Utah is a Retirement Paradise

Retirement in southern Utah offers plenty of cultural and recreational opportunities. Find out all that this region has to offer.

Utah Geological Survey monitoring 100 landslide locations across the state