Landslides risk in Minnesota

Landslide Characteristics in Minnesota

Minnesota has a low landslide hazard, rated level 1 of 5 by FEMA’s National Risk Index. The state’s Ice Age history left a mostly flat, gently rolling landscape, so the dramatic landslides seen in the western United States simply do not occur here. That said, localized ground failures are possible in certain settings, and they do cause damage from time to time.

The most exposed areas are river bluffs and lakeshores. The Mississippi River cuts through bedrock in the Twin Cities region and bluffs overlook the river in places like Red Wing and Winona. The Driftless Area in southeastern Minnesota has steep, wooded valleys and sandstone cliffs. Along the North Shore of Lake Superior, clay-rich soils and steep slopes can slump, especially in spring or after heavy rain. In these settings, landslides often take the form of slumps, earthflows, and occasional rock falls that extend only a short distance downslope.

Seasonal weather plays a key role. Spring snowmelt and prolonged rain saturate the soil, reducing its strength. Severe summer storms can also soak slopes quickly. Human activity, including improper grading, new roads, and changes to natural drainage, can increase the risk even in relatively flat areas. Homebuyers and homeowners on or near steep slopes should pay attention to these localized conditions.

How it affects homes

When a landslide moves, it can affect a home in many ways. Because Minnesota’s slides are typically slow, the damage is often gradual, not sudden. You might first notice cracks in drywall, plaster, or masonry that follow the angle of the slope. Window and door frames may become misaligned, making them hard to open. Outside, look for cracked driveways, sloping sidewalks, and separation between the house and its attached porch or garage. In more severe cases, the foundation itself can shift, breaking water and sewer lines, and in rare instances the movement can be significant enough to make a home uninhabitable.

Landslides also pose a risk to septic systems, buried fuel tanks, and well water supplies. If a slide extends onto a driveway, it can trap occupants or prevent emergency vehicles from reaching the property. Private property damage is usually not covered by a standard home insurance policy. Most policies exclude “earth movement,” and the National Flood Insurance Program does not cover landslides either. A separate landslide policy is available in some states, but it is seldom needed in Minnesota given the low overall risk. Nevertheless, if your home is on a bluff, you should ask your insurance agent about coverage options and any exclusions that apply to your specific property.

How to prepare your home

Even in low-risk Minnesota, a little preparation can go a long way if you live near a steep slope. These steps are simple, affordable, and aligned with guidance from Ready.gov and state emergency managers.

• Inspect your drainage. Make sure downspouts and sump pumps discharge at least 10 feet away from the house and any slope. Do not let water pool near a hillside.
• Maintain deep-rooted vegetation. Plant native grasses, shrubs, and trees on slopes to anchor soil. Avoid removing vegetation, and reseed bare patches quickly.
• Be cautious with excavation. If you are building an addition, a pool, or even a garden terrace, do not over-steepen existing slopes. Consult a geotechnical engineer before major earthwork.
• Support slopes with walls. A properly built retaining wall, which includes drainage behind the wall, can keep a slope stable and prevent erosion at the base.
• Watch for early warning signs. New cracks in your home’s foundation or brickwork, sticking doors, and leaning fence posts can all indicate slow soil movement. Take photos and track changes over time.
• Protect utilities. Seal cracks in your foundation to keep water out, and consider a battery backup for sump pumps so groundwater does not build up during storms.

Frequently asked questions

Are landslides covered by homeowners insurance?

In Minnesota, a standard homeowners policy does not cover landslides. Earth movement is an explicit exclusion, and flood insurance also has no landslide coverage. You would need a special “mine or landslide” policy, which is rarely available outside high-risk areas. Your best approach is to ask your insurer directly, and if you have a steep slope, consider a geotechnical evaluation to understand the risk.

What are the warning signs of a landslide?

Early signs include small soil cracks that slowly widen, bulges at the base of a hill, tilting trees or utility poles, and new water seepage on a slope. Indoors, look for cracked drywall or tile that follows a line, or doors and windows that no longer latch properly. If you see any of these signs, contact your local building inspector or a geotechnical engineer for an assessment.

Should I get a landslide hazard assessment before buying a home?

It depends on the site. If the home is in a flat, typical Minnesota neighborhood, the risk is negligible. But if the property is near a river bluff, a ravine, or the shore of Lake Superior, a professional assessment is a smart investment. A geotechnical engineer can inspect the slope, check for old slide scars, and recommend any structural measures, such as retaining walls or drainage corrections.

Official resources

• Minnesota Homeland Security and Emergency Management
• USGS Landslide Hazards Program
• Ready.gov – Landslides & Debris Flow