Landslides, often triggered by extreme events such as heavy precipitation, wildfires and earthquakes, pose significant environmental, societal and economic risks. In the mountainous, forested terrain of the West, including Oregon, shallow landslides are a persistent hazard that can damage infrastructure and disrupt connectivity between communities. Despite their prevalence, much remains unknown about the interactions between landslides, forest structure and wildfire.
Ben Leshchinsky, Richardson Chair in Forest Engineering, Resources and Management at Oregon State University, is leading a team to study landslides in forested environments following wildfire. This research aims to develop models that assess the susceptibility of post-wildfire landslides in mountainous regions and assess the role of vegetation in influencing landslide size and rate.
The team employs climate monitoring stations, remote sensing and field testing of burned and live roots across the Cascades to understand how vegetation affects landslide likelihood and timing, particularly after wildfires.
The research provides insight into slope stability and the factors that initiate slope failure, especially in post-wildfire scenarios. These findings will help forest managers and stakeholders better assess and mitigate the impacts of post-fire landslides, enhancing the resilience of forested environments, infrastructure, and downslope communities.
Supported through the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), the project involves collaboration with multiple agencies and university partners, including the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Geological Survey, the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries, the Oregon Department of Transportation and the University of Oregon.