Landslides

Debris from a landslide on the side of a hill. A damaged building is seen next to the debris and dirt.

Landslides, mudslides, and debris flows are the flow of rock, soil, and other debris down a slope. They can happen quickly or develop slowly over time. Landslides could have small or big impacts that affect the entire community.

One of the most common causes of landslides is heavy or prolonged rainfall. Soil becomes saturated with water and then becomes unstable and susceptible to sliding. Burn scars can be more vulnerable due to reduced vegetation to hold the soil in place.  

When severe weather hits, the City of Oakland repairs damage to public infrastructure such as repairing roads, filling sinkholes, and maintaining our drainage system.

Recognize Warning Signs

Whether you are at the bottom of a slope or at the top of a hill, you should pay attention to warning signs. At the bottom of a slope, mud, soil, and debris can come crashing down on you. For those at the top of a hill, the land under you could slide away and cause damage or destruction to your property. Make sure you are signed up to receive emergency alerts.

Warning Signs for Fast-Moving Landslides and Debris Flow

  • Listen and watch for rushing water, mud, or unusual sounds
  • Unusual sounds such as trees cracking or boulders knocking together might indicate moving debris
  • A faint rumbling sound that increases in volume as the landslide nears
  • Huge boulders in the landscape can be signs of past debris flows and would indicate this area could continue to be at risk
  • Being near wildfire burn areas (also known as burn scars) that have less vegetation to hold soil in place, increases the risk of a landslide

Warning Signs for Slow-Moving Landslides and Mudslides

  • Changes occur in your landscape, such as progressively leaning trees or a change in how runoff water flows on your property
  • New doors or windows that stick or jam
  • New cracks appearing in plaster, tile, brick, or foundations
  • Outside walls, walkways, or stairs begin pulling away from buildings or become misaligned
  • Slowly developing, widening cracks appear on the ground or on paved surfaces
  • Underground utility lines breaking
  • Bulging ground appears at the base of a slope
  • Water breaking through the ground surface in new locations
  • Fences, retaining walls, utility poles, or trees start to tilt, move, or become misaligned

What to Do

Before

Before a Landslide

Follow this guide to protect your home and neighborhood before a landslide. While these steps won't make your property immune to landslides, it can help reduce damage and risk.

Steps For Yourself

Steps For Your Home

  • Check your roof, rain gutters and chimney for holes, and clear debris before storms happen.
  • Check pipes that discharge water from your property to ensure they are in good condition.
  • Ensure water is channeled to adequate drainage facilities and not onto neighbors' property.
  • Make sure water doesn't flow down a slope where the water could cause erosion and instability.
  • Use sandbags in flood prone areas to direct water away from your home and other structures. Public Works will provide emergency sandbags and plastic sheeting to Oakland residents and business owners, while supplies last.
  • Implement erosion control best management practices. Maintain vegetation on steep slopes, cover bare soil with erosion-control materials. Do not perform grading work during the rainy season (roughly October 15 – April 15).
  • If you are a renter, discuss any issues with the property manager.
  • Talk to your insurance agent if you are at risk from a landslide. Some policies may or may not cover debris flow or mudslides.

If you have a creek on your property:

  • Keep the channel free of debris to allow stormwater to flow unobstructed.
  • Protect vegetation on the creek banks to prevent erosion and landslides. Work in a creek channel, other than litter and debris removal, requires a Creek Protection Permit. 
  •  If you are concerned about your drainage system, creek, or slope, contact a professional for advice and assistance.

During

During a Landslide

Once a landslide begins, there isn't much you can do except get out of the path. If you are in an area at risk for or prone to landslides, pay attention to potential warning signs. 

Keep your personal safety in mind. Evacuate if it is safe to do so, if you can see mud or debris approaching, it is too late to evacuate.

If you cannot evacuate do the following:

  1. Get inside or stay inside,
  2. Grab your emergency supplies if you have time,
  3. Go upstairs, and away from the wall facing up slope.
  4. If you are outside and cannot shelter indoors, move to higher ground. 

Never cross a road with water or mud flowing, even if you are inside a vehicle. It only takes 6 inches to sweep away a sedan and 12 inches to sweep away a large SUV or truck. Do not cross a bridge or overpass if you can see flow coming.

If you are advised to evacuate, do so immediately. If you feel you are in danger, don't wait for an official announcement, evacuate right away.

After

After a Landslide

  • Stay away from the landslide area as there may be additional slides
  • Listen to the news and pay attention to AC Alert for the latest information
  • Be prepared for the possibility of flooding in your area following a debris flow or landslide
  • Check for injured and trapped persons near the slide without entering the direct slide area
  • Report broken utility lines and damaged roadways
  • If you smell or hear the hissing of gas, shut off your gas immediately. If the gas is coming from an outside source, evacuate the area and call 9-1-1.
  • Allow trained professionals to check the building foundation, chimney, and surrounding land for damage
  • Replant in damaged ground as soon as possible to help reduce the risk of further erosion

How to Report a Landslide

Please report landslides and other active infrastructure emergencies to OAK311 by dialing 3-1-1 (within Oakland) or (510) 615-5566. Emergencies can include landslides, flooding, sewer overflows, and street signal outages. Non-emergencies can be reported online or on the OAK311 App.

For downed power lines or if you smell natural gas, leave the area immediately. Once you are at a safe distance, call 9-1-1, then PG&E at (800) 743-5000.

For water service emergencies (e.g., no water service, broken hydrants, broken water main pipes) please contact EBMUD at (866) 403-2683.

Other Resources

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