General Checklist for Slope Protection and Preparedness for El NIÑO

1. Slopes Visually inspect all sloped areas for signs of gullying, surface cracks, slumping etc. Also inspect patios, retaining walls, garden walls, etc. for signs of cracking or rotation. Such signs might be indications of slope movement. If you notice any problems, have the site inspected by a geotechnical engineer.

2. Bare Ground Make sure your yard does not have large bare areas which could be sources for mudflows during a storm event. The fall is a good time to put down mulch and establish native plants; it may be possible to vegetate these bare areas before the storm season.

3. Storm Drains Visually inspect nearby storm drains, before the storm season and after every rain; if the storm drains are obstructed, clear the material from the drain or notify the Department of Public Works or public agency responsible for drain maintenance.

4. Blufftop Inspections Visually inspect all blufftop retaining walls, wall drains, surface drains, culverts, ditches, etc. for obstructions or other signs of malfunction, before the storm season, and after every storm.

5. Inspect Irrigation Systems Visually inspect all irrigation systems and surface waterlines for signs of leaking and to insure that water is not being directed immediately at or over an area which could become unstable.

6. Shut-Offs for Irrigation Systems There should be an easy way to shut-off all irrigation systems. They should be shut-down during periods of high rain. Even if systems operate with moisture sensors, there should be a manual valve override.

7. Sand Bags and Plastic If there are small areas which could be affected by excess rainfall, consider stockpiling sand bags and plastic sheeting to divert water. Plastic can suffocate vegetation and create standing pools of water, and should not be left in place for long periods of time. Plastic used over several months should be inspected and maintained after every rain.

8. Long-term Site Stability If your property is in a landslide prone area and has not been inspected for geologic stability, it may be prudent to hire a geologist or geotechnical engineer to survey the site and prepare a stabilization plan, possibly recommending temporary and permanent protection measures*.

9. Gutters and Runoff Storm water runoff from impermeable surfaces (e.g., roofs, driveways, and patios) should be directed into a collection system to avoid soil saturation and potential slope failure.