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
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
Link: bit.ly/1jrri90
After
One stop location for records, links and information compiled by Snohomish County regarding the Oso mudslide.
Source: Snohomish County
Link: bit.ly/1h88r1r
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
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
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
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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