New Geologic Hazard Maps for the Western Salt Lake Valley and Magna Areas
New geologic hazard maps of western Salt Lake Valley have just been released by the Utah Geological Survey (UGS). The 10 maps include the town of Magna and portions of Salt Lake City, West Valley City, Kearns, and West Jordan to the south.
“This area is expected to experience a significant population increase in the next several decades. As urbanization expands into areas less suited for development, geo hazards become of increasing concern in the planning, design, and construction of new facilities,” says Jessica Castleton, a UGS geologist.
The ten maps show the hazards of earthquakes, landslides and rock falls, floods, indoor radon, shallow groundwater, and problem soil and rock. Historically, flooding has been the most widespread and frequent hazard in the area. Landslides and rock falls will be of increasing concern as development moves into hill slope areas. And, earthquake hazards (mainly ground shaking, liquefaction, and surface fault rupture) have the potential for producing catastrophic property damage, economic disruption, and loss of life.