Description:
This study provides an updated, field-checked landslide inventory for the portion of the I-17 corridor where landslides are known to occur. We were aware of extensive landslide complexes along I-17 near Black Canyon City, within the Agua Fria River Canyon north of Black Canyon City, along the western edge of Black Mesa at Sunset Point, and on both sides of I-17 at the Highway 179 exit. Additional previously mapped slides were present farther from I-17 along the edge of New River Mesa in the southern portion of the study area and on the flanks of Squaw Peak in the Black Hills near the Verde Valley. The purpose of this study is to document landslides and identify landslide-prone areas within the Interstate 17 (I-17) corridor from Anthem to Flagstaff, AZ. The study area for this project was chosen based
on the large potential impacts landslides may have on existing infrastructure as well as Arizona Department of Transportation’s (ADOT) Tentative Five-Year Program, which includes plans to expand I-17 in this area in fiscal years 2021-22. Funding for this project was provided by the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs (DEMA-EM) through the State Emergency Council (SEC) for mitigation projects. All landslide mapping conducted in this study and throughout Arizona is available for viewing and download on the AZGS Hazard Viewer online. These data may also be used for a variety of purposes, including planning and designing infrastructure to avoid possible landslide features which may constitute a costly and dangerous geohazard or for emergency management planning.