Geology 101- Section (circle one): A B C D E Name

Landslide along S.E. 224 Street near the Soos Creek Trail

Goal:1) to observe and describe the features of this mass movement, 2) to identify the type of mass
movement that has taken place, 3) theorize about the potential for future mass movement.

History:
The landslide is along the western valley wall above the popular Soos Creek Trail. The first observed
movement in this landslide occurred in January, 1998. The landslide moved 3-5 feet in this initial phase. The
movement was reactivated in December, 1998. The movement was up to 15 feet horizontally during this
most recent movement.

The landslide was of significance not only to the landowners on the hillside, but also to the
Bonneville Power Administration who had a major power pole in the path of the landslide. The pole was re-
located in early 1999.

Note: We must respect the private property of the individuals along this road. Do not leave the 224th
St. access. If you need help or have questions, please see me.

Date & Time of Observations:

Observing Conditions:

Stop 1. Soos Creek Bridge. Mark the location of stop #1 on the “Google Earth” satellite photograph at the
back of you lab and answer the questions below.

 Describe the size and profile of Soos Creek at this location (= near the headwaters) by

providing an estimate of the depth and width of the water.

 Describe how the width of the main channel compare to the width of the surrounding wetlands
(be specific an approximate provide a ratio).

 Estimate the velocity of the water in the main channel:

Stop 2. Valley Floor & South Side/Base of the Mass Movement: Mark the location of stop #2 on the
“Google Earth” satellite photograph at the back of you lab and answer the questions below.
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  Draw a sketch of what the valley looks like in side-view (= cross section). Including a scale.
Indicate what direction you are facing (north or south) on your sketch. Note: this valley was carved
by Soos Creek, and it is a good example of a “mature stream valley.” It is important therefore to
show the width of the main channel of the creek relative to the width of the valley.
W E

Observations:
 Examine the hillside on the west side of the valley. List and describe 3 specific characteristics of
this hillside that tell you that a mass movement has occurred:

1.

2.

3.

Interpretation:
 What type of mass movement dominates on the south side of this hill ?

Explain what evidence best support this interpretation:

Stop 3 = In the center of the slope that has moved: Mark the location of stop #3 on the “Google Earth”
satellite photograph at the back of you lab and answer the questions below.

Observations:
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 List at least two specific characteristics of this hill that tell you that a landslide has occurred here:

1.

2.

Interpretation:
 What type of mass movement dominates at the top & middle of the hill
?
Explain what evidence best support this interpretation:

 Describe how the movement here is different from the movement at the base of the slope.

 Lecture Review: List four primary ways that we can mitigate mass movement:
1.

2.

3.

4.

Which of these approaches have been used here?

 Describe two features that have been constructed to try and stabilize this slope. Explain how each
feature you list can reduce movement:

1.

2.

Indicate on the picture below the position of each stop.

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