5 Tips on Handling Landslides/Mudslides
~ Natalia Radcliffe ~ Here in Southern California, we have been lucky to have a rainy season this winter. At Prospector Ranch, we have gotten so much rain that our once sandy dirt ground turned into mud! We even had a very small river running through our property at one point.
As we’re located near a lot of hiking trails, we get AirBnb guests who like to take advantage of this convenience. For those with a love of the outdoors, this time of rain and cooler temperatures brings pleasant weather and the chance to see some beautiful green scenery. However, also with the rain comes unique circumstances that you want to watch out for when out exploring the great outdoors, such as looser dirt that can result in a hill or cliff being more unstable than it normally is. This instability can result in a flow of mud, rocks, and debris careening down a cliff or hill, trapping anyone caught in its path.
Not fun.
But, there are some things you can do to keep yourself and those with you safe when you are enjoying the outdoors during a rainy season here in California.
1. Engage all of your senses. Be aware of your surroundings when you are out. Listen for any unusual noises. The Red Cross advises to pay attention to sounds that signal debris moving, such as trees cracking, or rocks banging against each other. Notice if the ground seems different than normal. Look for any loose debris lying in unusual places or unstable hillsides or cliffs. This can help you spot anomalies and potential dangerous situations before you could get caught up in one.
2. Avoid being near hills or cliffs if you can help it. You don’t want to be caught up in the middle of a landslide/mudslide, so it’s best to avoid being near an area where one could occur. Hills or cliffs are usually where landslides/mudslides first occur. Gravity gives power to the movement of the debris and mud.
3. Walk where it’s drier. If possible, hike in an area where it’s drier. You have less to worry about and reduce your chances of encountering a landslide/mudslide. This can allow for a more relaxed hike and a chance to be in the moment with the nature around you.
4. Be in an open space. Hiking in an open space is another way to reduce your chances of being caught up in a landslide/mudslide. Even if one does occur while you are out, you have time to get away, as you’re further from the catalyst point.
5. Reschedule for another day. If you are unsure or nervous about going out on a hike, you can always reschedule for another day. For example, if you’re planning staying at one of our AirBnbs for more than one night, you can visit one of the hiking trails another day, if it works out in your schedule. The most important thing is to keep yourself safe. If that means holding off on a hiking day because there could be a chance you could get caught up in a landslide/mudslide, then that is okay.
We hope these tips give you some peace of mind when you’re out enjoying the great outdoors during a rainy season! For ideas on places to hike, take a look at some of our other blogs!
