Preliminary method for anticipating the occurrence of precipitation-induced landslides in Seattle, Washington
Open-File Report
2000-469
By: Alan F. Chleborad
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Abstract
Analysis of precipitation data associated with historical landslide events in Seattle has resulted in the identification of precipitation thresholds for the initiation of landslides. Also, an air-temperature index for multiple landslide events is identified, and in conjunction with the precipitation thresholds, is used to develop a method for anticipating the occurrence of landslides during the December-March wet season.
The precipitation thresholds are based on 3-day cumulative precipitation that occurred immediately prior to landslide events and antecedent 15-day precipitation that occurred prior to the 3-day amounts. The data indicate that 15-day cumulative precipitation influences the amount of subsequent 3-day precipitation required to initiate landslides.
Results of the analysis also indicate that air-temperature data can be used to help identify times when conditions are conducive for the initiation of landslides. It is shown that a high percentage of precipitation-related landslides occurred on days when the daily maximum air temperature was between 46? and 56? F (9? and 13? C) and that nearly all of the slides occurred on days when the daily maximum air temperature was above 43? F (6? C).
| Publication type | Report |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
| Title | Preliminary method for anticipating the occurrence of precipitation-induced landslides in Seattle, Washington |
| Series title | Open-File Report |
| Series number | 2000-469 |
| DOI | 10.3133/ofr00469 |
| Year Published | 2000 |
| Language | ENGLISH |
| Publisher | U.S. Dept. of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey, |
| Description | 29 p., :ill. (some col.), col. map ;28 cm. |