Landslides take place in every state and territory of the United States, when masses of rock, land or rubble descend through a slope. Water puddles or even appliances may conduct electricity. They are activated by storms, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, fires or manmade land alterations.

Rubble and mud detachments are rivers of rock, land and other water saturated materials. They are created when water is accumulated in the land at great speed, during strong rain or when snow melts quickly, turning the terrain in a large river of mud or “watery mud”. They can travel to slopes quickly, with little or no warning, at avalanche speeds.. They can also travel several miles from their origin and increase in size as they pick up trees, rocks, cars and other materials.

Landslide problems are caused by poor administration of land use, especially in mountain areas, ravines and coasts. Zoning for terrain use, professional inspections and appropriate design can reduce many landslide, mudslide and rubble detachment problems to a minimum.