Heavy rainfall Friday in southwest Oregon will bring increased potential for landslides in the mountains. The National Weather Service has issued a flood potential outlook for Coos, Curry and Josephine counties. Be alert to changing weather conditions throughout the weekend, and use extreme caution when travelling. Watch for signs of a landslide, which could include collapsed pavement, mud, fallen rock and debris. Listen for loud, unusual sounds. If you think there is danger of a landslide, leave the area immediately. People, structures and roads located below steep slopes in canyons and near the mouths of canyons may be at serious risk. The most dangerous places include: Bases of steep hillsides. – Canyon bottoms, stream channels, and areas of rock and soil accumulation at the outlets of canyons. – Road cuts or other areas where slopes of hills have been excavated or over-steepened. – Places where slides or debris flows have occurred in the past. The Statewide Landslide Information Database (SLIDO) compiles Oregon landslides that have been identified on published maps. Oregonians can search for their addresses, or commonly traveled areas, at http://www.oregongeology.org/sub/slido/. Learn more about landslides and debris flows and how to prepare for them at www.oregongeology.org/sub/Landslide/Landslidehome.htm.
