Mudslide Preparedness: A Homeowner's Guide to Safety on Slopes

Southern California’s picturesque hillsides are a defining feature of the region’s landscape, but for homeowners living on or near these slopes, they can also present a hidden danger. Not even a year ago, in February 2024, thousands of Californians faced the devastating impact of monster storms that unleashed hundreds of mudslides across the region. In Los Angeles alone, a staggering 562 mudslides were recorded. The catastrophic recent fires highlight the critical need for homeowners—particularly those with properties on hillsides—to understand the risks and take proactive steps to safeguard their homes and families.

The Perfect Storm: What Causes Mudslides?

A heavy storm and a steep, relatively bare slope are the primary ingredients for a mudslide.  The risk increases significantly when previous rainfall has already softened the ground.  Hillsides stripped of vegetation, particularly those recently charred by wildfires, are especially vulnerable. Burnt soil and vegetation double the rate at which water runs off the slope, leaving the earth unstable and prone to collapse.

Mudslides can range from slow-moving flow to fast-moving debris flows, the latter being far more dangerous. Debris flows can carry entire trees, rocks, cars, and even homes in their path. For hillside homeowners, the consequences can be catastrophic, with entire backyards and pools swept away by the sheer force of collapsing hillsides.

How Homeowners Can Prepare and Protect Their Property

Preparation is key to minimizing the risk of mudslides and safeguarding life and property. Here are some essential steps homeowners can take:

1. Assess Your Property’s Risk

• Hire a geotechnical engineer or a qualified expert to evaluate your property’s stability and identify potential risks.
• Review local hazard maps and zoning information to understand your property’s vulnerability.

2. Stabilize Slopes

• Grow deep-rooted plants that stabilize the soil. Native species are especially beneficial since they thrive in local environments.
• Install erosion control measures such as retaining walls, terracing, or netting to reinforce slopes.

3. Improve Drainage

• Ensure your property has proper drainage systems in place to divert water away from slopes and foundations.
• Regularly clean gutters, downspouts, and drainage channels to prevent blockages.

4. Build Defensively

• Use sandbags, gravel bags, or berms to gently redirect debris flow, keeping your home and outdoor living areas safe and sound!
• Consider installing debris flow barriers or flexible rockfall netting in high-risk areas.

5. Be Prepared

• Create an emergency plan for your family, including evacuation routes and communication strategies.
• Keep an emergency kit with essentials like water, non-perishable food, flashlights, and first aid supplies.
• Sign up for local emergency alerts to stay informed about storm warnings and evacuation orders.

Post-Wildfire Precautions

Homes near wildfire burn scars face an elevated risk of mudslides for several years after the fire. If your property is near a recently burned area, take additional precautions:

• Clean your roofs, gutters, and storm drains, as ashes and accumulated dirt can increase the risk of flooding around the immediate perimeter.
• Remove any loose dirt on your backyard slopes.
• Implement a slope stabilization plan. Several control systems can help prevent immediate runoff that softens the top layer of a slope.
• Work with local authorities, community organizations, and neighbors to implement large-scale erosion control measures.

Pre-Storm Precautions

• Have a sump pump to drain excess water in your pool. Reach an appropriate water level to avoid the pool overflowing onto your pool deck or into your home.
• Open your pool cover if you have one, and unplug your electrical cover to avoid damage.
• Turn the power off in areas prone to flooding, like outdoor outlets and void electrical shorts.
• Monitor weather forecasts closely during the rainy season.
• Move valuable items to higher floors of your home.
• Use plastic tarps and sandbags to keep out water.
• Turn your gas lines off. Ground movement can cause breaks in outdoor appliances such as pool heaters, fire pits, and BBQs.
• Create a go-bag with essential documents and valuable items to take in case of evacuation.
• Park vehicles in safe zones or higher ground and plan and know the best escape routes.

During a Storm

• Don’t wait and see—leave immediately if evacuation warnings are issued in your neighborhood.
• Never walk or drive through floodwaters.
• Watch for mudslides and debris flows.
• Remember: 2 feet of rushing water can carry away any vehicle, including cars, SUVs, and trucks.

Building a Resilient Future

As climate change continues to bring more extreme weather events, the risk of mudslides in Southern California is unlikely to diminish. Homeowners must take proactive measures to protect their properties and communities. By understanding the risks, investing in slope stabilization, and preparing for emergencies, we can reduce the impact of these natural disasters and build a more resilient future.

If you’re a homeowner seeking advice on safeguarding your hillside property and backyard pool, J Designs Pool & Spa is here to help with our expertise in hillside pools. We’re well-acquainted with the best preventive measures to ensure your safety and the well-being of your property.  

Together, we can safeguard our communities from the dual threats of fire and water—a recipe for disaster we can no longer afford to ignore. Download this free guide with preventive resources that will help protect your property.