Background/Location Map

General location of the Springhill landslide.

In the late 1990s, residents in the Springhill area of North Salt Lake, Davis County began noticing cracking and other distress related to relatively minor movement of the landslide. By 1998, a house at 160 Springhill Drive that straddled the northern boundary of the landslide was severely damaged and condemned. Relatively severe distress also occurred to several houses along Valley View Drive (formerly 350 E) and Springhill Circle.

Little movement or damage occurred during a dry period between 1999 and 2004, but the rate of movement accelerated during the 2005 wet year. Since 2005, the amount of movement each year has increased, except in 2007 (a dry year), resulting in an increased amount of damage and distress, particularly to houses in the upper and lower parts of the landslide and to Springhill Drive.

Landslide Description

The Springhill landslide is about 720 feet long and about 290 feet wide where it is crossed by Springhill Drive. The local relief (change in elevation) is about 150 feet and the average slope of the landslide is approximately 21 percent (the ground rises 21 feet over a distance of 100 feet).

The depth of the landslide varies along its length. Along the north edge of Springhill Circle, the landslide is about 48 feet deep and likely deeper than 70 feet beneath Springhill Drive. The landslide is shallower along its southern edge, and in the head and toe.

Map showing the approximate boundaries of the Springhill landslide, North Salt Lake. Shorter dashes indicate greater uncertainty in boundary location. Dashed outline of house indicates previously demolished. Base map modified from Terracon (1998).
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