Landslides Turn Up in the Northwest
Oregon saw the more snow fall this last weekend than it has in the past 4 years combine. Schools were canceled and roads were closed for days. Mother nature though, did not rest. The excess amount of water throughout the Northwest saturated all types of soils making them heavier. Gravity was not our friend in these circumstances and a couple of landslides occurred throughout the state: A more severe case in Lake Oswego and one occurring along highway 84. In both cases nobody was hurt, but the message of soil settlement and its dangers was delivered which is something everyone should be aware of.
In Lake Oswego on Monday February 10th, a landslide occurred in the hills on Meadows Drive. With the help of the Lake Oswego Fire Department, firefighters were able to to evacuate the family from the home safely. The homeowners are staying with neighbors until the situation can be evaluated and the damage assessed. The falling debris is thought to be triggered by overflowing drainage and sewer systems or by a leak in the meter between the house and the street. A "fair amount" of mud and debris had flowed up next the house and into the backyard thankfully no one was injured.
In Hood River along the Columbia river Gorge Highway 84, another landslide occurred Wednesday evening February 13th. Oregon Department of Transportation reports "[We] have a lot of work to do before we can reopen the eastbound lanes of Interstate 84". Nobody was traveling along the Interstate at that time. One man did claim that he ran in to some boulders damaging his car but no damage to himself. Before reopening the roads, state officials say they will first make sure the soils are not continuing to settle and that large boulders still on the hill are stable.
A little water never hurt anyone is something every Oregonian and Washingtonian can relate to; However, extreme amounts of water can result in extreme scenarios. On a more personal level, water in or around your home means settling soils, basement and crawlspace leakage. It is important to take the right precautionary or reactive measures to protect your home and family. Whether you stabilizing your foundation, waterproofing your basement or encapsulation your crawlspace, better safe than sorry.
Follow the link below for more information regarding foundation, basement and crawl space science and health.
http://www.oregonfoundationrepair.com