West Broadway landslide: subsurface movement not significant

UPDATE: 12-19-16

While the Town of Jackson continues to monitor surface movement of the West Broadway landslide, new data from subsurface monitors has not shown any significant or notable movement increases of material below the surface of the slide.

“We expected the surface of the slide to increase, that’s what slides do,” said Town Manager Bob McLaurin, “but it was reassuring to discover that the movement of the deeper material has not increased.”

The Town is receiving data on surface movement every 15 minutes, but the subsurface movement typically requires additional time to acquire. McClaurin said the Town and geotechnical experts will continue to monitor both surface and subsurface movements and notify the public if there are any significant changes.

ORIGINAL STORY: 12-16

High levels of moisture over the past 24 hours have caused an increase in surface movement on the West Broadway landslide in Jackson.

Monitors indicate the slide is still moving at a rate of one-quarter inch each month since the initial slide began in 2014.

In the past 12 hours, instruments located in the slide area also detected an increase in the velocity of the slide.

“With this increase in movement we are monitoring the slide movement every 15 minutes,” said Town Manager Bob McLaurin. “Public safety is our primary concern and we want to make sure we make important information available.”

The Town is also monitoring subsurface slide movement along with geotechnical experts. There is a delay in measurement of any subsurface movement due to the time necessary for moisture to permeate to lower depths.

McLaurin said the town would continue to consult with landslide experts, monitor the situation, and advise the public if there are any significant changes or concerns.