NWT RESEARCH DATABASE

Regions: Gwich'in Settlement Area

Tags: physical sciences, prediction models, land use planning, landslides, geotechnology

Objective(s): The main objective of this project is to improve the understanding of triggering factors and slope failure mechanisms of landslides in the Mackenzie Valley. This knowledge will enable better environmental impact assessments of new infrastructure projects proposed in the region.

Project Description: The main objective of this project is to improve the understanding of triggering factors and slope failure mechanisms of landslides in the Mackenzie Valley. This knowledge will enable better environmental impact assessments of new infrastructure projects proposed in the region. Investigations carried out in 2006 will continue with detailed mapping of landslides. Soil sampling will also be conducted— shallow test pits will be dug with hand tools within the active layer. Three to five test pits of about 1m×1m in size to a maximum depth of 1.5 m may be excavated with hand shovels around the existing landslides. The purpose of the test pits is to inspect the subsurface soil conditions for evidence related to slope failure. In addition, the field team plans to perform regular field measurements, conduct some in-situ testing using hand tools, and obtain field data from the instruments installed in 2006. No drill rigs will be used nor any new instruments installed at this site in 2007. It is estimated that the fieldwork will involve one to two weeks per visit in the field and several visits per year, normally in the summer but possibly in winter as well. Travel will be by helicopter from Inuvik. A team of up to six people will be working in the field. Overnight camping might be required. Copies of publications related to this study will be sent to the community organizations notified of this work through the Scientific Research Licensing process and the Aurora Research Institute. The study will be conducted from February 6 to December 31, 2007 southeast of Travaillant Lake around a landslide by a small lake at N67°40.0’ W131°31.8’. The site is about 120 km south-east of Inuvik. N.B. The Principal Investigator was granted a Type II Research Authorization (G05R06) from the Gwich’in Tribal Council on April 29, 2005, and a Class B Land Use Permit (G05S006) from the Gwich’in Land and Water Board on September 13, 2005. Both of these permits are valid until March 31, 2009.