Geotechnical engineer offers tips for the rainy season

As the rainy season approaches, homeowners are urged to safeguard their properties against potential damage proactively.

Olympia-based geotechnical engineer Calvin McCaughan, who has lived in the area since childhood, understands the dual nature of rain - the joy it brings as a child and the havoc it can wreak as an adult.

Geotechnical engineers like McCaughan specialize in working with earth materials, including soil and rock, significantly focusing on landslide mitigation.

In a press release shared by Sage Geotechnical in Olympia, McCaughan and his colleagues offer practical tips to help homeowners prepare for the upcoming rainy months.

1. Assess your risk

• Identify if your property is on a hillside or has retaining walls.
• Examine areas prone to water accumulation after heavy rains.
• Address both broad and specific concerns to prevent future issues.

2. Control drainage:

• Clear gutters, downspouts, and ditches of leaves and debris.
• Divert rainwater away from slopes and foundations for long-term protection.

3. Planting vegetation for slope stability:

• Ensure slopes are covered with deep-rooted native plants.
• Consider replacing invasive plants with native species for added stability.

4. Check retaining walls

• Inspect drainage systems in retaining walls to prevent blockages.
• Look for cracks, tilting, or signs of movement that may compromise stability.

5. Monitor signs of soil movement:

• Be vigilant for tilting trees, leaning retaining walls, or new cracks in pavements and lawns.

 Plan ahead for construction projects:

• Consult with a geotechnical engineer before initiating construction or major landscaping near slopes.

 Research on landslide insurance:

• Evaluate your existing insurance coverage and consider adding landslide insurance if your property is at risk.

With nearly 40 years of experience in the region, McCaughan emphasizes the inevitability of the rainy season and encourages homeowners to take steps before the rainy season starts to mitigate potential risks.

McCaughan said, "Rainy season is part of the price we pay for living in such a beautiful place, and it's great to know there are things we can do to prepare."

To stay updated with the latest forecast weather conditions, watches, warnings and advisories, you can check out the National Weather Service (NWS) Forecast Office website.

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