BURIEN, WASH. – Last week, the City of Burien received the geotechnical report on the state of the Dec. 8 mudslide. In accordance with the report, the City is keeping the evacuation order in effect for the two houses which sustained damage in the slide and allowing the other three evacuated houses to resume occupancy only upon performing further geotechnical studies of their property to make sure it is safe.
 
According to the report, the land around the slide is likely to remain unstable throughout the coming months due to precipitation. Individuals who have been monitoring the area indicate that erosion continues along the slide area but movement appears to have slowed and the debris piles do not seem to have moved noticeably over the past several days of drier weather.
 
The geotechnical team assembled to assess the site reviewed the overall geology of the area, recent weather patterns, the size and shape of the slide, the pitch of the slope, the permeability of soil, the movement of water through the soil, and many other factors to arrive at their recommendations.
 
The report outlines specific recommendations for conditions the City can apply in allowing the three undamaged houses to be re-occupied. The report also lays out specific conditions under which entry to the most heavily-damaged property may be allowed, provided that the extraction of belongings will not accelerate the slope’s movement or adversely risk life or health of personnel who may serve as escorts.