VTrans is seeking your examples of mudslides or debris flows that affect town roads and which occurred in heavy rains, including those in 2023 and 2024. UVM is working with VTrans to develop a debris flow hazard identification and monitoring program in response to the increased frequency of these in Vermont.
UVM is seeking sites to visit for information on slope steepness, soils, groundwater, and local knowledge of the damage and cleanup. They are looking for land slides and mud slides that are independent of water channels. If your town experienced a mudslide or debris flow that impacted a town road, please contact John Lens, PhD, PE john.lens@uvm.edu with information and to arrange a site visit. John's contact information is:
Dr. John E. Lens, PE
Professor of Practice
University of Vermont
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Mobile: 802-272-2796
Email: john.lens@uvm.edu
Debris flows and mudflows destroy property, block roads, impact critical infrastructure like water and sewer lines, and can be deadly. It is difficult to identify where debris flows and mudflows are likely to happen using existing mapping methods. You can help map risk areas and improve hazard planning in Vermont.
Learn more about this project at Landslide Hazard Identification and Monitoring | Agency of Transportation.