A library of Oso mudslide research and resources

Five weeks after the Oso mudslide, the recovery effort is winding down. Deferred questions await, and new priorities arise: What caused this unexpectedly big disaster on March 22, and did humans play a role? How do we restore crucial state Highway 530? What economic help is available? These and other issues are addressed by hundreds of pages of documents and dozens of websites that have emerged in recent weeks. As our communities work to recover from the most deadly disaster in Snohomish County history, we offer this selected list of major resources. We’ll update this online as things develop. If we overlooked a good link or document, email us at newstips@heraldnet.com.

Before

Preliminary Interpretation of Pre-2014 Landslide Deposits in the Vicinity of Oso, Wash. (2014)

Analysis of a 2013 survey showing likely slide paths over the past 14,000 years and their proximity to the hill that fell March 22.

Source: U.S. Geological Survey

Link: on.doi.gov/1dH27mt

Steelhead Haven Landslide Remediation Feasibility Study (2001)

A detailed history of geologic studies of the slide area and a look at ways to address instability, including buying homes and moving the North Fork Stillaguamish River to limit erosion. The primary focus was on reducing landslides to protect fish.

Source: Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians and GeoEngineers Inc.

Link: bit.ly/1ilKlAA

This was part of a larger Stillaguamish River Ecosystem Restoration Study.

Source: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Link: 1.usa.gov/RGdAZQ

Stillaguamish River Comprehensive Flood Management Plan (2004)

The plan adopted by the county to address flooding in the Stillaguamish River valley. The plan has received fresh attention because it did not place a top priority on buying out owners of property that was buried in the March 22 slide this year.

Source: Snohomish County

Link: bit.ly/1eFcwPK

Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan risk assessment (2004)

Landslide hazards are in chapter 15.

Source: Snohomish County

Link: bit.ly/RGcqNS

530 slide permit and building information

Maps and timelines prepared by county planners detailing when and where homes were built.

Source: Snohomish County

Link: bit.ly/1jONs86

Permitting and code documents

Hundreds of pages of county records about land use in Oso, starting in the 1930s. Includes zoning codes, building permits, aerial photos, plat maps and reports on efforts to mitigate damage from a 2006 slide.

Source: Snohomish County

Link: bit.ly/1ja3zvc

Snohomish County Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan (2010)

The plan the county was required to prepare under federal law, detailing the ways it intended to respond to natural hazards risks, including flooding, earthquake, wildfires and landslides.

Source: Snohomish County

Link: http://bit.ly/RGcqNS

Chapter on landslides

Link: bit.ly/1jrri90

After

Highway 530 slide resources

One stop location for records, links and information compiled by Snohomish County regarding the Oso mudslide.

Source: Snohomish County

Link: bit.ly/1h88r1r

Landslide in Washington State

A synopsis of what the U.S. Geological Survey knows about the Oso slide. Includes a video animation, maps, photographs and a chart of seismological readings.

Source: U.S. Geological Survey

Link: on.doi.gov/1h82rpc

Oso landslide scientific information

River data, geospatial data, satellite images and other information.

Source: USGS Washington Water Science Center

Link: on.doi.gov/1lOQc9N

Seismic report on Oso landslide

Source: USGS Washington Water Science Center

Link: on.doi.gov/1lQnxN2

Federal Aid Programs for State of Washington Disaster Recovery (2014)

Federal disaster aid programs that are available under President Obama’s disaster declaration issued for Washington.

Source: Federal Emergency Management Agency

Link: 1.usa.gov/1nOfT7t

DisasterAssistance.gov

Detailed information about federal disaster-assistance programs and how to register for benefits.

Source: Federal Emergency Management Agency

Link: www.disasterassistance.gov

Disaster unemployment benefits for 530 landslide

Disaster unemployment benefits are now available to workers and self-employed people who lost jobs or had work hours substantially reduced as a result of the slide.

Source: Washington Employment Security Department

Link: 1.usa.gov/1ily0SG

Highway 530 reopening

A Web page dedicated to efforts by the state and Snohomish County to develop a plan for clearing Highway 530 after search efforts are complete. About 100,000 cubic yards of material cover the roadway. It could take up to three months to clear it.

Source: Washington State Department of Transportation

Link: 1.usa.gov/1ijSWJ1

How to help

A compilation of organizations and businesses collecting cash for those affected by the Oso mudslide.

Source: The Daily Herald

Link: bit.ly/1fbWhdA

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