PORTLAND, Ore. - City work crews installed sprawling tarpaulins over the site of a landslide in Southwest Portland over the weekend before a wet weather system moved into the state, bringing substantial rainfall.

Officials fear more rain could exacerbate the situation. Crews drilled into the street in front of the lot where a house slid away two weeks ago to check the stability of the ground.

A geologist told KATU that the slide could have started moving again had the tarps not been put in place.

Paul Scarlett with the City of Portland said the tarps were put down to help ensure the stability of the area. Several homes near the site of the Oct. 8 slide remain at risk if the earth begins to move again. [Read more]

Brian Barker and KATU Web Staff

KATU - October 20, 2008