LiDAR data shows historic landslides

As reported, the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) has released two maps showing historic and pre-historic landslides in the West Bull Mountain area of Washington County and the northwest portion of Oregon City in Clackamas County.

Using LiDAR, DOGAMI geologists are working with local governments across Oregon to create a new generation of landslide inventory maps that are more accurate and comprehensive than any in the past.

Also, the new mapping protocols put in place mean all future landslides maps in Oregon will be consistent and standardized.

On a yearly basis, damage from landslides is the most costly natural hazard in Oregon, with some years exceeding over $100 million in damage statewide. In 2005, DOGAMI began a collaborative landslide research programme with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Landslide Hazards Program to comprehensively identify and better understand landslides in Oregon. This new mapping programme using LiDAR data has identified up to 200 times the number of landslides in areas where traditional mapping methods have been used in the past.