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UGS completes drone surveys for Marysvale landslide response; releases updated Salt Lake City geologic maps
Summary
UGS described recent hazard work including drone surveys after wildfire-linked slope failures near Marysvale, and published updated geologic quadrangles for the Salt Lake City area. Staff said they are coordinating with local governments ahead of public releases because new fault mapping can affect land-use decisions.
The Utah Geological Survey told its board Jan. 15 that its hazards team carried out drone surveys and mapping to help communities respond to post-wildfire landslides, and that it recently released updated geologic maps for Salt Lake City that include revised fault traces.
Following a large fire near Marysvale, UGS staff said they flew drone surveys over multiple canyons, produced updated topographic maps, and provided the data to engineering firms helping the town design mitigation projects to protect water lines and other critical infrastructure. UGS staff described the drone mapping as part of a coordinated response: the agency’s hazards group captured imagery, processed the data, and shared it with the town’s engineering consultants to support mitigation designs.
UGS also described recent geologic map releases for the Salt Lake City North quadrangle and an adjacent Fort Douglas quadrangle. Staff said they intentionally delayed a broad press release to brief municipal and county partners first because some newly mapped faults run through downtown areas and could have implications for redevelopment and permitting. A program manager said the agency would meet with Salt Lake City and Salt Lake County officials to explain mapping methods and limitations before wider distribution.
National and federal work: UGS staff said the agency has received part of new federal funding for national landslide mapping and is expanding mapping projects under those programs. They said the agency submitted an expanded grant application to increase landslide mapping work in the next funding round.
Why it matters: UGS said up-to-date hazard maps and rapid post-event airborne surveys help communities identify scarps and potential infrastructure exposure and assist engineers in designing mitigation measures quickly after wildfires and storms.
Next steps: UGS will continue to coordinate with local governments on map releases, roll out additional quadrangles in the Salt Lake region and expand landslide mapping work as federal funds come online.
