Beckley, West Virginia — With the snow, ice, and rain that have marked the month of February and continue to do so, West Virginia’s landscape is at risk of some significant changes.
Trees falling, rockslides, and mudslides are all possibilities following the next round of rain and cold weather.
So, how can you identify these problems before they occur?
Mat Bailey, Area Forester for Region 4 of the West Virginia Department of Forestry, stated that there will be a few giveaways.
“Steep terrain is a problem, and it is usually the primary cause of tree falls. That is exactly what helps move the rock up. Because the ground is constantly moving, the more we freeze and thaw, the more material rises to the surface, and eventually it slips. “Especially in areas where roads have been built,” Bailey said.
Bailey stated that the warmer weather we are hoping for may cause some tree fall issues.
He stated that the sap will begin to flow and make the trees heavier; with the saturated ground, he predicted that more trees would fall.
Bailey advised that if you notice any slippage on mountainsides in your area, contact your local emergency dispatch.
