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Debris Flow Mitigation Contractor

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Debris Flow Mitigation and Post-Event Recovery

GeoStabilization International is the debris flow mitigation contractor of choice when burn scars, cloudbursts, or thaw cycles turn slopes and channels into fast-moving hazards.

For more than 20 years, our design-build teams have restored access and protected highways, rail lines, utilities, and communities across North America. From flexible debris-flow barriers and check dams to slope stabilization and drainage upgrades, we deliver integrated systems that control sediment, capture debris, and keep people safe, with minimal closures and predictable schedules.

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Debris Flow Barrier
Rockfall barrier catching large debris and tree branches.

Why Choose GSI for Debris Flow Mitigation

  • Turnkey Design-Build: In-house geotechnical and civil engineers work directly with rope-access and slope-access field crews.
  • Rapid Mobilization: 24/7 deployment with specialized access using spider excavators, remote-operated machinery, casing drills, and helicopter support.
  • Integrated Controls: Combined barrier, channel, slope, and drainage solutions engineered for durable, long-term performance.
  • Model-Driven Design: Hydrologic and hydraulic analysis incorporating debris bulking factors, freeboard, deflection, and overtopping contingencies.
  • Safety and Quality Management: Traffic control, work-at-height, and testing programs documented to meet or exceed industry standards.
Debris Barrier

Our Debris Flow Mitigation Capabilities

  • Debris Flow Barriers: Flexible ring-net or mesh systems installed in gullies or channels to intercept boulders, trees, and debris; sized to match site energy and deflection criteria.
  • Check Dams and Grade Control: Rock, concrete, or modular structures that trap sediment, reduce slope gradient, and protect downstream assets.
  • Channel and Culvert Upgrades: Diversion channels, culvert upsizing, inlet racks, headwall reconstruction, and scour armoring using riprap, gabions, or shotcrete.
  • Slope Stabilization at the Source: Soil nails, rock bolts, mesh, and shotcrete to prevent shallow failures and reduce debris input to channels.
  • Drainage and Infiltration Control: Subsurface drains, trench drains, and surface re-grading to reduce saturation and redirect runoff.
  • Emergency Debris Clearing: Rapid removal of trees, mud, and rock to restore access to roads, rail, and utilities while preventing secondary failures.
  • Monitoring and Maintenance: Post-event inspection, cleanout, and rehabilitation programs to maintain design performance and seasonal readiness.

How GSI Delivers Debris Flow Mitigation

 

Rapid Assessment

Site triage, consequence mapping, and channel walk-downs to evaluate burn severity, sediment supply, and constrictions.

Modeling and Siting

Hydrology and hydraulics with debris bulking to determine barrier classes, dam spacing, and channel improvements.

Design-Build Engineering

Detailing of foundations, anchors, spillways, and armor; development of cleanout access and overflow pathways.

Access and Construction

Rope-access crews, spider excavators, limited-access drilling, and aerial logistics for safe work in steep or remote areas.

Commissioning and Maintenance

Acceptance testing, as-built documentation, and maintenance plans for long-term system reliability.

Debris Flow Mitigation

Debris Clearing and Fast Access Restoration

After a debris-flow event, GSI mobilizes rapidly to clear boulders, trees, and sediment from transportation and utility corridors. Using spider excavators, remote-operated machines, and helicopter support, our teams restore safe access, enable assessments, and reduce the risk of secondary failures, even in steep or unstable terrain.

Industry Applications

Highway and rail corridors protected with barriers, check dams, and culvert upgrades.

Seasonal barrier arrays, sediment basins, and slope stabilization above at-risk communities.

Channel realignment, armoring near tower pads, and access road protection.

Debris racks, detention basins, and erosion control in developed watersheds.

Debris flow barrier collecting rocks and branches.

The GSI Advantage

Speed: 24/7 emergency response and phased construction to reopen critical routes quickly.

Certainty: Model-driven design and verified performance through field testing and quality management.

Access Anywhere: Specialized equipment and rope-access crews for steep or confined environments.

Lifecycle Value: Designs that balance risk, cost, maintenance intervals, and environmental considerations.

Client Reviews

Geohazard Repair in Kentucky

GSI, thanks for another successful project. It is always nice to work with you and your field crews. We are currently experiencing flooding here in [this area], so I am sure we will be utilizing your services once again in the near future. The repair was “headache free” and that is very nice, to have a company and crew, come in do their job. You would be surprised how many contractors come in and are not as safety oriented and headache free as yours and for that reason, I am writing this email to let you know as a manager I appreciate the professionalism.

Skilled and Professional Crew Support in New Mexico

I want to thank you and your crew for the exceptional job we just completed. It was a pleasure working alongside Brice and his crew. All of them are very stand-up men and have amazing respect, are knowledgeable with the process and technique, and all deserve an “Atta-Boy”. (Ha-ha). If you could pass this along to your superiors I would appreciate it. Once again, it was a pleasure working with GSI and this crew.

On-Schedule and Professional Project Support in Virginia

As told by GSI Project Development Engineer: I was happy to take a call from [the Residency engineer] today and listened to him tell me how happy he was with the performance of Dylan and entire crew at the Garden Creek site. He had great things to say about the competence, work ethic, and professionalism of the whole team out there, and wanted to thank Dylan for the excellent communication as the project has unfolded. This is no small compliment, as this project began in a potentially negative atmosphere since the public thought we were behind schedule before we ever arrived! Nicely done, guys.

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Contact Us Today

Need a debris flow mitigation contractor to protect your corridor or community? GSI’s design-build teams deliver engineered barriers, drainage, and stabilization systems that reduce risk, restore access, and prevent future damage.

Request a site assessment or proposal today.

855.579.0536

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    Our Awards, Certifications, & Memberships

    ENR Regional Best Project 2023
    ADSC Safety Award
    GeoHazard Professionals Safety Recognition
    Gold Shovel Standard Certified
    GSI is a Directing Member of the Association of Geohazard Professionals
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