Debris Flow Hazard Mitigation for Colluvium-Filled Swales

Research Article| August 01, 1991 Debris Flow Hazard Mitigation for Colluvium-Filled Swales DAVID R. MONTGOMERY; DAVID R. MONTGOMERY Department of Geology and Geophysics, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar ROBERT H. WRIGHT, PhD; ROBERT H. WRIGHT, PhD Harlan Tait Associates, 1269 Howard Street, San Francisco, CA 94103 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar THOM BOOTH THOM BOOTH Water Resources Research Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Environmental Debris Flow Hazard Mitigation for Colluvium-Filled Swales. Environmental ; xxviii (3): 303–323. doi: https://doi.org/10.2113/gseegeosci.xxviii.3.303 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu nav search search input Search input auto suggest search filter All ContentBy SocietyEnvironmental & Engineering Geoscience Search Advanced Search Abstract Debris flows originating in colluvial deposits within hillside swales cause significant property damage and loss of life in steep, soil-mantled environments and will continue to do so for as long as mitigation measures are not adopted for both new and existing development. Colluvium-filled swales constitute mappable debris flow source areas and should be identified routinely as potential hazards in geotechnical feasibility and design-level investigations. Toward this end, we propose a swale classification system that incorporates the state of activity, slope, and depth of colluvial fill within a swale. Recognition and siting considerations allow for debris flow hazard mitigation by avoiding locations downslope of colluvium-filled swales, along low-order channelways, or on debris fans. Alternative mitigations, particularly appropriate for areas of existing development, include removal of colluvial deposits, subdrain installation, or downslope intervention to reduce the impact of a debris flow. This content is PDF only. Please click on the PDF icon to access. First Page Preview Close Modal You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.