Landslide Hazard Map Resources

Some helpful US federal government resources for natural hazard maps are listed below. The links open in a new window so you can use NatHazMap.com as an index as you browse.

USGS Natural Hazards: Landslides - General information and map of landslide potential of the conterminous US.

USGS Landslide Hazards program -Information and resources for landslide hazards in the United States.

USGS Landslide Hazards State and local info - Links to state and local programs and maps of landslide hazard.

USGS Landslide map of the US - USGS map of landslide hazards in the US. To view the actual map click on the "Plate 1" link to download the map.

FEMA Landslide Hazards - Landslide hazards general information, resources and links. 

State-Specific Hazard Map Resources

For state-specific information, contact your State Geologist and  your State Office of Emergency Management. At a local level, contact your city or county  emergency management, planning, zoning, environmental and/or health office/department.

Landslide Hazard Mapping

   Landslides are rapid down-slope movements of earthen materials, including rocks, mud, dirt, water, and debris. Landslide is a catch-all term for the various types of mass wasting or mass movements, including, but not limited to: rockfall, slumps, slides, creep, mudflows, mudslides, debris flows, etc. For the purposes of this website we treat avalanches as a separate hazard. Landslides can be caused by over steepening or over loading of slopes, earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, flooding, and other severe weather events; or by vegetation loss as a result of logging, development, or wildfires.

Landslide debris on road, China, 2008.  Photo D. Wald. Courtesy USGS.

  Mapping of areas more at risk from landslides is important to help reduce losses and prevent damage. Landslide incidence and susceptibility maps identify areas more subject to hazard. Some local areas may have landslide zoning areas which may require detailed studies to be performed prior to construction or may restrict construction in specific areas. 

   In the United States the United States Geological Survey, or USGS, is the primary federal agency responsible for studying mapping and modeling landslide hazard. FEMA and other federal, state, or local agencies may be involved as well. Some resources are listed below.

   To learn more about landslide hazards in your area, contact the appropriate local, state or federal agency. If you plan to build, develop, or inhabit areas subject to landslide hazards, consult a qualified professional regarding the hazard, your risk, and options for mitigation. The information on this site is only intended as an educational tool to help you get started. By using it you are subject to our terms of use.

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