Many Hillsides of the Hamilton County experience sufficient movement causing damage to houses, pavement or landscaping. The amount of movement varies from small creeping (A gradual continuous down slope movement of soil) which occurs seasonally, with large landslide displacements that occur mostly after intense rainfall or prolonged wet period.

This region is well know for its slope problems and has one of the highest per capita costs due to landslide damage of any city in the United States. Fleming and Taylor (1980) reported that in Hamilton County Ohio damages from Landslides from 1973 to 1978 totaled $ 31 million dollar. Pohana (1992) reported from 1983-1992, $8.8 million are used for repairs associated with historic landslide damages. Lennertz (1997) reported in 1996 damages from landslide in Hamilton County exceeded $ 10 million dollars.

The wooded hillsides of this region can provide a beautiful home site but not without any risk. Proper design and construction on hillsides can reduce the risk of slide. Before investing in hillside property, the prospective owner can gather preliminary information about the property that will aid him in making a judgment about its suitability as a home site. Although the advice of a Geotechnical engineer is often called for, there is much an informed buyer can do in a way of gathering information on the characteristics of the site.

The prospective buyer of land near a hillside should start with an informed approach to assess the risks of ground movement. The local library branch or the office of Soil and Water Conservation District makes available the Soil Survey Book of the County and U.S.G.S. maps for the region. The Soil Survey book includes maps and information on the type of surface soil; it includes both technical and descriptive information about the stability of the various types of soil. The local zoning/building department can also provide you with some information about the history of the area and the land.

Before buying property on a hillside, the buyer should perform a preliminary site reconnaissance to become familiar with the property and it’s surrounding. During a site reconnaissance the following items should be noted which would be helpful to evaluate the site,

1. Ground cracks on hillside.

2. Dish-shaped areas within otherwise relatively uniform slope usually steep at the top and then flattening out.

3. Hummocky ground, irregular space, elongated ridges, and mounds or rounded knolls.

4. Water seeps; any evidence of wetness either actual or as indicated by type and color of vegetation.

5. Tilted trees; trees that lean down slope with trunks curving upward, trees leaning at an appreciable angle or trees leaning in different directions

6. Evidence of erosion; down cutting of stream, vertical banks on outside of meanders, and trees being undercut.

7. Seepage through the hillsides and creek banks.

8. If there are existing buildings on the parcel, check for cracks in Foundation walls or brickwork. Turf pulled away from foundation or pole.

9. Open cracks in basement, garage or concrete paving.

10. Bulging or tilting retaining walls.

Observation of any of the above or a combination of them may indicate some type of ground movement. Before buying the property you may confirm your decision by using the service of a Professional Geotechnical engineer.