Tag: DNR

Updated Washington Tsunami Design Zone for the New Washington State Building Code

Tsunami hazards in Washington State Tsunamis are large and potentially dangerous waves caused by earthquakes, landslides, volcanic eruptions, exceptional weather systems, and meteorite impacts. Tsunamis have struck Washington in the past, and are expected to do so again in the future. You can learn more about tsunami hazards on the WGS website. The Washington Geological […]

New Geologic Hazards Clearinghouse Plan Released on Anniversary of the 2001 Nisqually Earthquake

Anniversary of the 2001 Nisqually Earthquake 23 years ago today, the magnitude 6.8 Nisqually earthquake shook the Pacific Northwest. People in Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia experienced shaking that in some places lasted over a minute. The earthquake caused as much as $1–4 billion in property damage, and provided a stark reminder that Washington State […]

Four New 1:24,000-Scale Geologic Maps Published!

We recently released four new 1:24,000-scale geologic maps covering parts of Thurston, Pierce, Lewis, Kittitas, and Stevens Counties. The new geologic maps include: You can access and search through all geologic maps from the Washington Geological Survey via an interactive map here: Washington State Geologic Map application Below we include additional information about each publication, […]

New Aggregate Resource Inventory of Kitsap County Published!

We are excited to announce the publication of the Aggregate Resource Inventory of Kitsap County. The publication includes a 1:100,000-scale map plate and accompanying pamphlet. What are aggregate resources? Sand, gravel, and bedrock may be mined or quarried to produce raw materials known as construction aggregate. Construction aggregate is used in the manufacturing of concrete, […]

New map poster offers a bird’s-eye view of Mount St. Helens

In recognition of Volcano Awareness Month in Washington State, the Washington Geological Survey (WGS), with support from the U. S. Geological Survey (USGS), has released a new map poster: ‘Mount St. Helens: A Mountain Reborn’. The map features a bird’s-eye view of the volcano that famously erupted on May 18, 1980. That eruption instantly transformed […]

Peering into the earth: Geophysical techniques can find rock for forest roads — Ear to the Ground

Fresh off the stump and replete with water, fresh-cut timber is heavy stuff. A fully loaded logging truck can tip the scales at 68,000 pounds, which is the weight equivalent of approximately 17 average-size cars. To support this kind of weight, forest roads must be built strong with good, hard rock. How hard? Generally, the […] […]

Meet our New Landslide Hazards Program

Washington’s widely varying climate and topography along with complex geology creates many areas that are prone to landslides.  Identifying past landslides is the best way to identify future landslide hazards. After the devastating SR530 “Oso” Landslide in March 2014, the state legislature recognized the need for a greater emphasis on landslide mapping. Resources were allocated to […]

New and improved! Have another look at DNR’s landslide hazard website

There have been some important changes to our landslide hazard website since we last blogged about it on November 1, 2012. We have improved the resolution of the map by adding the National Weather Service (NWS) forecast zones. A shaded relief of elevation, along with the addition of salt and fresh water features, improves the […]

Shallow landslides can be triggered by rainy weather–Do you know the warning signs?

Heavy rain this weekend can cause more than just localized flooding and high rivers. Prolonged or intense rainfall increases the chances of shallow landslides on steep slopes. During these rain events some rain will flow on the surface to streams and rivers, some is captured by vegetation, and some rain infiltrates into the ground. The […]