Landslides

About landslides

“Landslide” is a general term used to describe the down-slope movement of soil, rock and organic materials under the influence of gravity. It also describes the landform that results from such a movement.

British Columbia’s steep, mountainous terrain, its complex geology, its high precipitation–both as rain and snow–its abundance of unconsolidated glacial sediments, and its geographic position astride the earthquake zone that surrounds the Pacific Ocean, all combine to make our province particularly susceptible to landslide activity. In fact, in British Columbia the loss of life and damage to property caused by landslides is greater than losses caused by other natural hazards such as earthquakes and flooding. As our cities, towns, roads and highways steadily encroach onto steeper slopes and mountainsides, landslide hazards become an increasingly serious threat to life and property.

Resources

• Debris Flow Hazard Awareness in the Kootenay Region (information brochure)
• Learn more about landslides and how to be prepared for them on the PreparedBC website.
• Quick Reference: Landslide and Flooding Risks Due to Wildfires – Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development 
• Landslide and Flooding Risks Due to Wildfires – Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development
  

Debris flows

Debris flows are fast-moving mixtures of water, sediment, boulders and logs that flow down steep mountain creeks. Debris flows have caused fatalities, near misses and significant property damage in the Kootenays.

• Learn more about debris flows in this brochure [PDF]
• To report a debris flow, call the 24-hour provincial toll-free number: 1-800-663-3456

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