The Department of Natural Resources, Geology and Earth Resources Division (DGER), also known as the Washington Geological Survey, actively identify, assess, and map landslide hazards using modern geotechnical and geophysical methods. Our hazard maps are critical for land-use and emergency-management planning, disaster response, and building-code amendments. As our population grows, there is increasing pressure to develop in hazardous areas, thus delineating these areas is imperative. In response to the Growth Management Act's mandate to use the 'best available science', our geologists meet with local governments and citizens in at-risk communities to educate about geologic hazards and ensure these hazards are taken into account while planning for growth-management and disasters. The DGER is also first responders to natural disasters; helping staff the State Emergency Operations Center at Camp Murray and documenting damage in the field. Washington is also prone to landslides triggered by intense rainfall or earthquakes. According to Washington State legislative mandate RCW 43.92. ". . . the geological survey must conduct and maintain an assessment of seismic, landslide, and tsunami hazards in Washington. This assessment must include the identification and mapping of volcanic, seismic, landslide, and tsunami hazards, an estimation of potential consequences, and the likelihood of occurrence. The maintenance of this assessment must include technical assistance to state and local government agencies on the proper interpretation and application of the results of this assessment." DGER has designed and is implementing a GIS-based, statewide landslide database.
