Hardin County: a dramatic landslide in Tennessee

On Saturday 15 February 2020 a dramatic landslide occurred in the Chalk Bluff area of Hardin County in Tennessee, USA. The landslide, which is located at 35.385, -88.284, destroyed rather beautiful two houses located at the top of a bluff.  Fortunately no-one was harmed, although the houses are a total loss.

Fox 17 News has posted some imagery and a video of the landslide, including this image of the early part of the failure:-

The early phases of the landslide at Hardin County in Tennessee. Image via Fox 17 News.

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Whilst this image shows a later phase, when the slide had retrogressed significantly, causing the loss of the two properties:-

The later phases of the landslide at Hardin County in Tennessee. Image via Fox 17 News.

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On Youtube, Knox County News have posted a video of the collapse of one of the two properties:-

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Whist News4 WSMV Nashville has posted drone footage of the aftermath of the landslide:-

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Google Earth imagery from November 2012 shows the site quite clearly, as the trees had no leaves:-

Google Earth imagery from November 2012 showing the site of the landslide at Hardin County in Tennessee.

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This image appears to show that a smaller landslide has been active for some years, and that it had encroached close to one of the two houses that were lost.  The collapse on 15 February appears to be a significant increase in the size of this landslide, driven by a prolonged period of heavy rainfall. As the site is located on the outside of a gentle bend in the river, enhanced erosion would be expected.

The Jackson Sun has some more detail about the landslide.  One of the houses, which were built in the 1990s, has been unoccupied, but the other was in daily use. The occupiers were able to recover only a small amount of their possessions before the house was destroyed.