Landslides risk in North Dakota

Landslide characteristics in North Dakota

North Dakota is one of the least landslide-prone states in the U.S. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Landslide Hazards Program categorizes the state at the lowest risk level (1 out of 5) because most of the terrain is flat prairie or gently rolling plains. However, landslides and earth movement are not entirely absent. They are most likely to occur in regions with steeper slopes and weak soils, particularly:

• River valleys: The Missouri River, Red River, and their tributaries have carved valleys where banks can slump or slide, especially after heavy rain or spring snowmelt.
• The Badlands: Western North Dakota, especially around Theodore Roosevelt National Park, features steep, erosion-prone slopes made of clay and sandstone. These areas experience occasional mudslides and rock falls.
• Glacial till areas: In northeastern North Dakota, glacial deposits can create unstable slopes that may move slowly over time.
• Pembina Gorge: This scenic area near the Canadian border has steep, wooded slopes where localized landslides have been observed.

Landslides in North Dakota are most often triggered by intense rainfall, rapid snowmelt, or river erosion. Because the state has a dry climate overall, the sudden saturation of soil after a storm or thaw is a common cause of slope movement. These events are usually slow-moving or small, rarely causing loss of life, but they can damage property and infrastructure.

According to the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services, the state's flat and stable geology means that landslide risk is minimal compared to mountainous states. Still, local conditions matter, and awareness is key for homeowners in the areas mentioned above.

How it affects homes

Even at a low risk level, landslides can affect homes in North Dakota. The most common damage includes:

• Foundation cracks or shifting: Soil movement beneath a home can cause uneven settling, leading to cracked walls, jammed doors, and broken utility lines.
• Driveway and walkway damage: Slumping ground can crack concrete, asphalt, or gravel surfaces.
• Blocked or damaged drainage systems: Debris from a small slide can clog culverts and cause water to pool near the foundation.
• Structural displacement: In rare cases, a home on a steep slope may move downhill, making it unsafe or uninhabitable.

When it comes to insurance, standard homeowners policies in North Dakota do not cover landslides, mudslides, or other earth movement. The Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) also excludes landslide damage because it is not considered flooding. Homeowners in higher-risk areas may need a separate earth movement endorsement or a specialized policy from a private insurer. It is wise to review your insurance policy and ask your agent about landslide coverage, even if the overall risk is low.

How to prepare your home

While large-scale landslides are unlikely in North Dakota, taking a few mitigation steps can reduce the chance of slope problems near your home. Here are practical actions from Ready.gov and the USGS Landslide Hazards Program:

• Inspect your property for signs of slope instability: Look for cracks in the soil, leaning trees or fences, bulging ground, or windows and doors that stick. These can indicate subtle earth movement.
• Manage drainage: Direct rainwater away from slopes and your foundation using gutters, downspouts, and French drains. Avoid letting water pool on or near a slope.
• Minimize soil saturation: Water your landscaping sparingly on slopes, and consider using drought-tolerant plants that absorb less water.
• Protect slopes from erosion: Plant grass, shrubs, or deep-rooted vegetation to hold soil in place. Avoid cutting into slopes without professional engineering advice.
• Build or remodel wisely: If you are planning construction, dig a foundation or build retaining walls on stable ground. Consult a geotechnical engineer if you are near a river valley or steep hillside.
• Monitor during heavy rain or thaw: After intense storms or rapid snowmelt, keep an eye on slopes adjacent to your property for new cracks or movement.

Remember that even in low-risk areas, small slumps or eroding banks can occur along rivers. If you live near a bluff or embankment, it is wise to stay alert and maintain a safe distance from the edge.

Frequently asked questions

Are landslides common in North Dakota?

No, landslides are uncommon in North Dakota. The state has a Level 1 (lowest) landslide risk according to the USGS National Risk Index. However, localized slope failures can happen in the Badlands, along river valleys, and in steep glacial terrain, especially after heavy rain or snowmelt. Most events are small and cause minor damage.

Does homeowners insurance cover landslide damage?

No, standard homeowners insurance policies typically exclude landslides and other earth movement. Flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program also does not cover landslides. To be protected, you may need to purchase a separate earth movement endorsement or a specialized policy, which is optional in most cases given North Dakota's low risk.

Where in North Dakota is the risk highest?

The highest relative risk is in the western Badlands, the Missouri River Valley, and the Pembina Gorge area. These locations have steeper slopes and more erosive soils. In contrast, the central and eastern parts of the state are extremely flat and unlikely to experience landslides.

Official resources

• North Dakota Department of Emergency Services
• USGS Landslide Hazards Program
• Ready.gov – Landslides & Debris Flow