Landslide Photo Collections

Searchable USGS Photo and Multimedia Archive with Ordering Information

On the evening of July 21, 2007, a slow-moving thunderstorm triggered about 45 debris flows on steep mountainsides near the community of Alpine, Colorado. Most of the debris flows were initiated by surface-water runoff that eroded and entrained loose sediment in previously existing channels. For more information and additional photos, please see a U.S. Geological Survey report online: http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2007/1237/pdf/OF2007-1237.pdf

  • Damage to the town of Alpine, from debris flows of 2007. Debris flows tore through this garage removing all the contents inside (including a jeep) and knocking a nearby 500-gallon propane tank from its foundation. (Photo by T.C. Wait, Colorado Geological Survey).
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  • No one was hurt during this event and Alpine residents manage to retain their unique sense of humor. (Photo by T.C. Wait, Colorado Geological Survey).
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  • A debris channel in Weldon Gulch that impacted Alpine. The material that once was in this area was moved by gravity and water down the steep slope in less than an hour carving a channel over 7 feet in depth. Material from the sides of the channel is already starting to cave back in and accumulating along the bottom. (Photo by Jeff Coe, U.S. Geological Survey).
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  • As debris flow material encountered thickly treed areas near the fan above Alpine, fallen trees and other material lodged in the trees forming these natural “check dams” and slowing some of the larger debris. Had the forest not been so dense, this material may have made its way into Alpine. Photo by Jeff Coe, USGS
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  • Aeral view of the debris flow scars taken from a light aircraft on 7/25/07. The view is to the southwest. Alpine Resivoir and the fan where the town of Alpine is located are visable on the left side of the photo. (Photo by T.C. Wait, Colorado Geological Survey).
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  • Areal view of Weldon Gulch and the debris fan where Alpine is located. Debris flow scars are visible along the left side (east facing slope) of Weldon Gulch below treeline. (Photo by T.C. Wait)
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