Southern California's First Major Storm of New Decade Raises Major Concerns and Risks
January 22, 2010
Precautions to Follow for Those At-Risk for Erosion Damage.
YORBA LINDA, CA – January 20, 2010– Southern California is synonymous with natural disasters such as earthquakes and massive fires, and meteorologists predict that 2010 will be another year of heavy rains and record landslides. Although we are still relatively early in this year´s rainy season, local rains have already eroded the base of slopes, removing support of the hills' foundation and causing weight increase of rock and soil mass through water absorption. California hillsides have been stripped of the vegetation which would, under normal circumstances, serve to mitigate erosion risks during the rainy seasons.
Erosion risk can range from nuisance level problems to potential structural collapse and result in occasional risk to life and limb. "In some cases, mudflows triggered by heavy rains and erosion can travel down hillsides with the velocity and impact of a freight train," explains Gregory Axten, CEO and Principal Engineer of American Geotechnical Inc. "It is important to be aware of these risk factors during inclement weather, especially in a climate that often suffers from high temperatures and drought".
Depending on the severity of erosion damage, the lower risks can be substantiated by black carbon plastic covering, anchored by sandbags and/or stakes, whereas red-alert risks pose the most threat to property and survival, requiring a combination of these systems at increased quantities to effectively mitigate erosion in local at-risk areas. Properties near or within a burn area are at greater risk for landslides and erosion damage, and such property owners should consider the possible levels of risk factors to their property and surrounding valuables.
By contacting an experienced geotechnical consultant like the professionals at American Geotechnical, hillside areas can be examined and the erosion related risks assessed. An experienced AMGT professional promises to provide information regarding the relative risks, and can also offer recommendations for mitigating risk and protecting improvements.
YORBA LINDA, CA – January 20, 2010– Southern California is synonymous with natural disasters such as earthquakes and massive fires, and meteorologists predict that 2010 will be another year of heavy rains and record landslides. Although we are still relatively early in this year´s rainy season, local rains have already eroded the base of slopes, removing support of the hills' foundation and causing weight increase of rock and soil mass through water absorption. California hillsides have been stripped of the vegetation which would, under normal circumstances, serve to mitigate erosion risks during the rainy seasons.
Erosion risk can range from nuisance level problems to potential structural collapse and result in occasional risk to life and limb. "In some cases, mudflows triggered by heavy rains and erosion can travel down hillsides with the velocity and impact of a freight train," explains Gregory Axten, CEO and Principal Engineer of American Geotechnical Inc. "It is important to be aware of these risk factors during inclement weather, especially in a climate that often suffers from high temperatures and drought".
Depending on the severity of erosion damage, the lower risks can be substantiated by black carbon plastic covering, anchored by sandbags and/or stakes, whereas red-alert risks pose the most threat to property and survival, requiring a combination of these systems at increased quantities to effectively mitigate erosion in local at-risk areas. Properties near or within a burn area are at greater risk for landslides and erosion damage, and such property owners should consider the possible levels of risk factors to their property and surrounding valuables.
By contacting an experienced geotechnical consultant like the professionals at American Geotechnical, hillside areas can be examined and the erosion related risks assessed. An experienced AMGT professional promises to provide information regarding the relative risks, and can also offer recommendations for mitigating risk and protecting improvements.
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