Washington Landslide Risk Rises With Soaking Rain

Emergency managers warn Western Washington residents of heightened landslide danger as repeated rounds of heavy rain soak the region.

Updated on Nov. 11, 2026 in Safety

Rain-soaked forested hillside with exposed dark soil and tree roots above a single roadside guardrail under heavy grey skies. — Emergency managers in King County warned Western Washington residents on Tuesday of heightened landslide risk as repeated rounds of soaking rain continue across the region. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Have you taken steps to prepare your home for possible landslides this winter?

Emergency management departments warned Western Washington residents of increased landslide risk as repeated rounds of soaking rain continue across the region. King County's emergency management office issued guidance amid the continued wet conditions.

Why it matters

Washington is among the most landslide-prone states, with steep mountain slopes, coastal bluffs and unstable glacial sediment in many areas. Residents in hillside and bluff properties face elevated risk while the rain persists.

Washington is ranked among the most landslide-prone states, and most slides occur between November and March. The source does not report current slide counts or affected properties from the ongoing rain.

The players

Washington Department of Natural Resources

The state agency that identifies Washington as one of the most landslide-prone states and oversees geologic hazard information for the state.

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)

The federal science agency that maintains a map showing properties at risk of landslides across the country.

The details

Repeated rounds of soaking rain are falling across Western Washington, and the state's steep terrain, unstable glacial sediment and frequent earthquakes can all trigger slides. Officials recommend that residents plan at least two evacuation routes, since roads may become blocked or closed.

November to March: the period in which the majority of landslides occur.
November 11, 2026: emergency management warnings issued amid continued soaking rain.

Seasonal Patterns

The USGS landslide hazard mapping program provides property-level risk information that residents can check against the November-to-March period when most Washington landslides occur. Current soaking rain places Western Washington's slopes and bluffs within that seasonal window of heightened risk.

Check your property against the USGS landslide hazard map and contact your city or county geologist or planning department for a ground assessment. Identify at least two evacuation routes from your home, since roads may become blocked or closed during slides.

The takeaway

Landslide danger in Washington peaks during the wet months, so residents on slopes and bluffs should assess their property and plan escape routes before heavy rain arrives. Seeking a geotechnical evaluation can identify hazards that the map alone may not reveal.