The objective of this project is to identify areas in the West Vancouver, Sea to Sky, and Sunshine Coast Districts that are susceptible to landslide occurrences. Landslides occur when slopes becomes unstable, creating debris release that can cause immense damage to human life and infrastructure. Slope instability can occur due to numerous natural factors including increased rainfall saturating the soil, slope steepness, lack of root cohesion, bedrock geology, and proximity to fault lines.
Millstream Trail closure in West Vancouver due to a landslide. Source: http://www.nsnews.com/news/west-vancouver-closes-millstream-trail-after-landslide-1.2113348
The study area includes the districts of West Vancouver, Sunshine Coast and Sea-to-Sky. This area is mountainous with high rainfall, making it particularly susceptible to landslide occurrences. In past decades, recreational activities and residential populations in this region have greatly increased. Therefore, identifying areas susceptible to landslide occurrence may be beneficial to the safety of existing communities, and when planning new recreational infrastructure and residential developments.