Preliminary field report on the Route 2 landslides of tropical storm Irene, August 28, 2011

The Massachusetts Geological Survey accompanied Massachusetts Department of Transportation personnel in the field on Tuesday, September 6, 2011, to observe the landslide and flooding damage along the Route 2 corridor caused by Hurricane, which struck the area on August 28, 2011. The purpose of the visit was to: 1) identify the type of slides that occurred; 2) estimate the dimensions and volume of material moved; 2) estimate the geological and environmental conditions leading to the slope failures; and, 4) determine the propensity for future occurrence. Four landslides were observed. Slide 1 is immediately east of the confluence of Trout Brook with the Cold River and Slides 2, 3, and 4 are clustered together on a north- facing slope about 1850 feet east of the confluence of Black Brook with the Cold River.

Report prepared for Massachusetts Department of Transportation.