Factors controlling landslide initiation as a result of July 2001 high-precipitation events in a section of the Lower New River Gorge, West Virginia

Several geologic and physical factors affect the location of landslides associated with the July 2001 high precipitation events in Lower New River Gorge, West Virginia. The surficial geology of the heavily mined landscape was mapped using ArcGis 8.3 and four specific factors related to the landslides were identified. Road building was shown statistically to have a positive influence on the location of landslides. Slope aspect, slope angles, and elevation were also shown to have strong relationships with landslide initiations.; A landslide initiation risk map was created by overlaying the physical and geological factors favorable for landslide initiation. The risk map outlines areas that may be prone to future slope instability as a result of the combination of land use activity, slope angles and slope geometry. It was determined that approximately 10% of the slopes of Lower New River Gorge are hazard prone.