What caused the 2014 Oso landslide in Washington?
What caused the 2014 Oso landslide in Washington?
A major landslide occurred 4 miles (6.4 km) east of Oso, Washington, United States, on March 22, 2014, at 10:37 a.m. local time….2014 Oso mudslide.
| Oso mudslide on March 29, 2014, view to the northeast | |
|---|---|
| Date | March 22, 2014 |
| Location | Oso, Washington |
| Coordinates | 48°16′57″N 121°50′53″W |
| Cause | Suspected soil saturation from heavy rainfall |
When was the landslide in Washington state?
March 22, 2014
On March 22, 2014, 43 people die when a portion of a hill suddenly collapses and buries a neighborhood in the small community of Oso, Washington, some 55 miles northeast of Seattle. It was one of the deadliest mudslides in U.S. history.
Are there landslides in Washington state?
Landslides are common in Washington state, with many occurring annually in the Puget Sound area, especially along the Sound’s steep shoreline bluffs. Landslide areas are deemed geologically-hazardous, environmentally-critical areas under the state Growth Management Act.
What happened in the Oso landslide?
At 10:37 a.m. on March 22, 2014, a rain-soaked hillside near Oso, Washington collapsed, sending around 18 million tons of sand, till and clay into the community of Steelhead Haven in Snohomish County. The Oso landslide, also called the SR 530 landslide, engulfed the community and destroyed 49 homes and structures.
What were the causes and trigger of the 2014 Oso slide?
Previous mudslides and slope erosion dating back to the 1930s likely set the stage for the catastrophic 2014 Oso mudslide. 1900s – Seasonal high water begins eroding the hill that eventually gave way in the 2014 mudslide. The Stillaguamish River channel pushes north.
Why does Washington have so many landslides?
Seattle’s geology and climate contribute to landslides The arrangement of glacial deposits and other weak rocks, along with the effects of coastal erosion, define where most landslides occur.
Why are there so many landslides in Washington state?
Landslides exist throughout Washington State and can be triggered in many ways. Rainfall—Prolonged or intense rainfall and rain-on-snow events can saturate soils and trigger landslides. Earthquakes—Intense shaking during earthquakes can cause the ground to fail.
Could the Oso mudslide have been predicted?
Scientists predicted the Oso landslide, but nothing was done. Over the years, they spoke out again and again, without effect on development in the area. And then, March 22 happened.
