Landslide hazard susceptibility mapping in Homer, Alaska

Landslide hazard susceptibility mapping in Homer, Alaska, Report of Investigation 2024-3, provides a map and database of historical and prehistoric slope failures, maps of shallow and deep-seated landslide susceptibility, and a map of simulated debris flow runouts for the City of Homer, Alaska and nearby populated areas including Kachemak City and Millers Landing. The landslide inventory map integrates existing maps of landslides caused by the 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake and newly mapped slope failures identified in sequences of aerial photos since 1950 and high-resolution light detection and ranging (lidar) data collected for this project. The Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys (DGGS) staff created a shallow landslide susceptibility map following protocols like those developed by the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries, which includes incorporating landslide inventory data, geotechnical soil properties, and lidar-derived topographic slope to calculate the Factor of Safety (FOS), which serves as a proxy for landslide susceptibility. Debris flow runout extents were generated using the model Laharz, which simulates runout extents based on catchment-specific physical parameters (e.g., hypothetical sediment volumes). Data from these analyses are collectively intended to depict locations where landslides are relatively more likely to occur or are relatively more likely to travel. The results provide important hazard information that can help guide planning and future risk investigations. The maps are not intended to predict slope failures and are site-specific; detailed investigations should be conducted before development in vulnerable areas. Results are for informational purposes and are not intended for legal, engineering, or surveying uses. These data and the interpretive maps and report are available from the DGGS website: http://doi.org/10.14509/31155.