Example Projects

Alluvial Fan Geologic Hazard Assessment

Element’s staff have conducted numerous Alluvial Fan Geohazard Assessments for residential projects across Whatcom and Skagit Counties in the past several years. Amongst others, we have recently worked on sites within the Canyon Creek (Glacier Springs), Blue Canyon and Glenhaven (Lake Whatcom), and Paradise Valley (Kendall) areas. Our experienced geologists combine diligent stream channel and fan area field reconnaissance with thorough imagery review to assess for the presence of active or recent activity along the drainage. We typically join this review with explorations at the building site to assess actual depositional history of past events in the drainage. Element applies a practical perspective when assessing potential debris flood/flow risk on a per-site basis to provide reasonable and effective foundation mitigation recommendations when necessary. Our work is routinely accepted as suitable for permitting. Our past project experience in these areas, as well as a high level of familiarity with local review standards, enables us to provide efficient and budget-friendly work to meet assessment standards.