Many locations in New York are blanketed by clay soils deposited in lakes during deglaciation. (Figure 1). Most of the city of Troy is built upon lake clays deposited in glacial Lake Albany (Figure 2), these Lake Clays were mined along the Hudson river as part of the famous Hudson River Brick Industry in the past century. However these clays have a long history of Landslides or Slope-failure that have continually plagued Troy's inhabitants.

Heavy precipitation by Hurricane Irene on August 28, 2011 continued this tradition and triggered a landslide that lead to the destruction of several homes on State Route 2 along the Postenkill. The landslide was compounded by the addition of 30 feet of fill materials on the head of the slope that added additional mass to the already unstable slope and removal material at the base of the slope (toe).

This latest landslide in Troy is but one of 35 reported landslides in the State as a result of Hurricane Irene. Further, the Capital Region has long history of landslides that have resulted in many fatalities (see table 1) and severe damage to property.

MORE INFORMATION:

Read more about Landslides and their history in New York State
Irene's Fury: Troy Landslides WRGB CBS6
Irene's Aftermath: Troy Tour