The Utah Geological Survey (UGS) has released a new publication on geologic hazards of the Moab-Spanish Valley area. The report and accompanying set of four maps provide Moab-Spanish Valley homeowners, government officials, and developers and their geologic consultants with information concerning geologic hazards that can be used to guide safe and responsible development in the area.

Many of the geologic processes that shaped Moab-Spanish Valley's scenic and rugged landscape over millions of years are still active today and potentially hazardous to property and life. Geologic hazards have caused damage to property in the past, and exposure of development to geologic hazards will increase as the area’s population grows.

The principal geologic hazards in the area are expansive or gypsiferous soil and rock, stream and alluvial-fan flooding and debris flows, collapsible soils, soils susceptible to piping and erosion, rock fall, shallow ground water, and fractured rock. Other possible hazards include earthquakes, subsidence due to salt dissolution, landslides, and indoor radon.

The maps are at a scale of 1:24,000 (one inch equals 2,000 feet) and show potential geologic-hazard areas where site-specific studies should be performed prior to development to evaluate the hazard and recommend appropriate hazard-reduction measures.

The report describes the characteristics of the hazards and the types of damage that may result, summarizes measures that may be taken to reduce the hazards, and provides guidance for recommended site investigations. An appendix lists local, state, and federal government agencies that can provide additional information on geologic hazards and related issues.

Geologic Hazards of Moab-Spanish Valley, Grand County, Utah, designated as Special Study 107, is available at the Natural Resources Map & Bookstore, 1594 W. North Temple, Salt Lake City (801-537-3320 or 1-888-UTAHMAP; http://mapstore.utah.gov) at a cost of $12.95. The maps are in digital format on compact disc; the CD also includes spatial-data coverages for those who want to use the data in a geographic information system. Paper copies of the maps can be plotted for an additional $7 per map.