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From Yakima River Canyon Geology and Landslide Risk in Washington

How could the geological instability near the Yakima River affect Washington?

Likely What happens if… A possibility worth considering, not a forecast.

State departments must manage infrastructure risk from Yakima River landslide The geological forces that formed the ridges along the Yakima River have created unstable formations, such as Rattlesnake Ridge. This instability has led to a landslide that threatens major state infrastructure, including Interstate 82. To manage this risk, state agencies have deployed resources, such as 60 sensors by the Department of Natural Resources and concrete Jersey barriers by the Department of Transportation, to monitor and buffer the area.

Reported by 1 independent outlet Written Monday
Effect
Strong negative
How direct
2 steps, all reported
When
Over the long term
The story
No new developments lately

How it reaches Washington

Reported by news outlets

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The facts so far

As reported. Each one links to where it comes from.

  • The ridges are a sandwich of basalt from lava flows and sedimentary material.yakimaherald.com
  • The landslide on Rattlesnake Ridge prompted a road closure and fears of blocking Interstate 82.yakimaherald.com
  • The state Department of Natural Resources deployed 60 sensors along the ridge to monitor it.yakimaherald.com
  • Yakima County closed Thorp Road, which runs along the base of the ridge.yakimaherald.com

Why it matters

The stability of geological features like Rattlesnake Ridge is critical for maintaining major transportation arteries across Washington. The threat of a landslide blocking Interstate 82 represents a significant operational risk and potential disruption to regional commerce and travel.

This hazard is part of a larger geological context in the Yakima Valley, where the rock formations buckled and formed parallel ridges. The reports note that the state has previously managed similar risks, such as the 2009 slide that buried a quarter-mile of State Route 410 and the 2014 Oso Slide.

What we don't know yet

  • What is the long-term cost of maintaining the monitoring and mitigation efforts on Rattlesnake Ridge?
  • Will the current rate of the 'constipated landslide' change based on seasonal moisture levels?

What would change this answer

Increased moisture seeps into the formationThe sedimentary rock part of the 'sandwich' could allow the basalt layer to slide faster, increasing the threat to infrastructure.
The state reduces the deployment of sensors or barriersThe state's ability to manage the risk of the landslide blocking major routes would be significantly diminished.

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  • About WSDOT

    How does WSDOT prioritize maintenance and risk mitigation for critical infrastructure like Interstate 82 given the geological instability?

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Brind's analysis is written by AI from the reporting linked above and can be wrong. This explainer is a possibility worth considering, not a forecast: steps marked as Brind's reasoning are not stated in the reporting. It is not investment advice; do your own research.