Mudslides and Debris Flows

Occasionally even deserts might have wet years. When that happens, the desert soil, which lacks the thick protective cover of vegetation you find in other areas, can become saturated. That can lead to a mudslide (or debris flow), especially on hillsides - which is, coincidentally, where people living in the southwest like to build their houses. In the US, southern California is well-known for twin risks: fires in dry years, and mudslides in wet years. Something to remember when you´re looking at buying a home. . . .