Potential Scenarios for Subaerial Landslides
by Rex Baum (USGS)

Comments on Deep-Seated Landslides in Seattle

We supported a student thesis to conduct a field study of large, deep-seated landslides in Seattle, which was completed about a year ago. (T.C. Wait, 2001, Characteristics of deep-seated landslides in Seattle, Washington: Golden, Colorado School of Mines, Master of Science Thesis, 141 p., 3 pls.)

A significant finding from her study is that large, complex subaerial landslides tend to form on high (>45 m), steep coastal bluffs, typically near local topographic high points. All landslides of this type that she identified were on the Puget Sound side (none on the Lake Washington side). This information could be used to narrow-down the potential sources along steep bluffs.