Oso mudslide

Family members of those lost in the Oso mudslide along with survivors release lanterns into the sky at the memorial site on the 8 year anniversary of the mudslide on Tuesday, March 22, 2022 in Oso, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

In Oso, lost neighbors always ‘in our hearts — never forgotten’

Eight years ago, 43 people were lost in the Oso slide. As they do every year, friends and family gathered in remembrance.

 

(Snohomish County Parks & Recreation) A concept design for 26 memorial panels that will honor individuals and family groups killed in the slide.

Highway 530 slide memorial to be a ‘beautiful place’

The hope is to complete work at the site near Oso in time for a 10-year remembrance ceremony in 2024.

 

A rainbow appears in front of Andy Huestis and his girlfriend Alisha Garvin as they and other families gather to remember the victims on the third anniversary of the Oso mudslide on Wednesday, March 22, 2017 in Oso, Wa. Huestis' sister, Christina Jefferds, and her baby granddaughter, Sanoah Violet Huestis, were among the 43 people killed in the mudslide. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)

Funding secured: Mudslide memorial will be a place to remember

Since 2014, families have mourned at a roadside shrine near Oso, but “we knew we needed something bigger.”

 

The massive mudslide that killed at least eight people and left dozens missing is shown in this aerial photo, Monday, March 24, 2014, near Arlington, Wash. The search for survivors grew Monday, raising fears that the death toll could climb far beyond the eight confirmed fatalities. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

7 years ago: ‘We waved hello, not realizing it was a goodbye’

Forty-three people perished in the 2014 Oso mudslide. On Monday, the community gathered again.

The massive mudslide that killed at least eight people and left dozens missing is shown in this aerial photo, Monday, March 24, 2014, near Arlington, Wash. The search for survivors grew Monday, raising fears that the death toll could climb far beyond the eight confirmed fatalities. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

President signs bill to boost mapping of landslide hazards

The bill appropriates $40 million annually for 3D mapping and disaster preparation.

Lidar imagery enables geologists to accurately identify landslides, such as the area around the Highway 530 Oso landslide. In this area, lidar data show prehistoric landslides in beige along the North Fork Stillaguamish River. The darker-shaded, outlined area is the extent of the March 2014 Oso landslide. (Daniel Coe/Washington State Department of Natural Resources)

New program may help pinpoint landslides before they happen

A bill pushing more funding toward 3D mapping and disaster preparation is on the president’s desk.

Lidar imagery enables geologists to accurately identify landslides, such as the area around the Highway 530 Oso landslide. In this area, lidar data show prehistoric landslides in beige along the North Fork Stillaguamish River. The darker-shaded, outlined area is the extent of the March 2014 Oso landslide. (Daniel Coe/Washington State Department of Natural Resources)
Six years later, Oso remembers landslide victims, survivors

Six years later, Oso remembers landslide victims, survivors

People gathered to reflect on the loss of 43 people. Work remains for raising money for a memorial.

Six years later, Oso remembers landslide victims, survivors
Gala to raise money for permanent Oso landslide memorial

Gala to raise money for permanent Oso landslide memorial

The PNW Paradise Ball and Auction will benefit a $6 million commemoration and education project.

Gala to raise money for permanent Oso landslide memorial
Memorial restores a piece of home 5 years after Oso slide

Memorial restores a piece of home 5 years after Oso slide

A Friday ceremony honored those who died and unveiled plans for a 4-acre park at the disaster site.

Memorial restores a piece of home 5 years after Oso slide
Oso Mudslide: Loss and Courage

Oso Mudslide: Loss and Courage

From 2014, our video about the disaster and its aftermath.

Oso Mudslide: Loss and Courage
Renaming ensures drivers know what happened on Highway 530

Renaming ensures drivers know what happened on Highway 530

The brother of a slide victim says a 23-mile stretch is “sacred ground and that’s how it should be treated.”

Renaming ensures drivers know what happened on Highway 530
Lidar imagery enables geologists to accurately identify landslides, such as the area around the Highway 530 Oso landslide. In this area, lidar data show prehistoric landslides in beige along the North Fork Stillaguamish River. The darker-shaded outlined area is the extent of the March 2014 Oso landslide. (Daniel Coe / Washington State Department of Natural Resources)

Congress considers new program to pinpoint landslide risks

Rep. DelBene hopes 3-D maps will allow scientists to identify the next disaster before it happens.

Lidar imagery enables geologists to accurately identify landslides, such as the area around the Highway 530 Oso landslide. In this area, lidar data show prehistoric landslides in beige along the North Fork Stillaguamish River. The darker-shaded outlined area is the extent of the March 2014 Oso landslide. (Daniel Coe / Washington State Department of Natural Resources)
State plugs away at mapping landslide-prone areas

State plugs away at mapping landslide-prone areas

The DNR wants to study the area around the Oso slide and similar terrain across the state.

State plugs away at mapping landslide-prone areas
They want people to remember what happened on Highway 530

They want people to remember what happened on Highway 530

A grassroots campaign seeks to name part of the road the Oso Memorial Highway.

They want people to remember what happened on Highway 530
Snohomish County is looking for information about the mailboxes that once stood outside the Steelhead Haven community that was destroyed by the Oso mudslide in 2014. Officials involved in the project welcome pictures or stories about the 43 people whose lives were lost.

Artist seeks help re-creating Oso landmark for memorial

A bronze sculpture will feature mailboxes that once stood along Highway 530 near the Steelhead Haven neighborhood.

Snohomish County is looking for information about the mailboxes that once stood outside the Steelhead Haven community that was destroyed by the Oso mudslide in 2014. Officials involved in the project welcome pictures or stories about the 43 people whose lives were lost.
Former Oso pastor accused of pocketing $40K in slide donations

Former Oso pastor accused of pocketing $40K in slide donations

Gary J. Ray is charged with diverting money intended to help families affected by the 2014 disaster.

Former Oso pastor accused of pocketing $40K in slide donations
Final Oso mudslide wrongful-death lawsuit heads toward trial

Final Oso mudslide wrongful-death lawsuit heads toward trial

A judge says the state and a timber company must defend themselves in a Seattle courtroom.

Final Oso mudslide wrongful-death lawsuit heads toward trial
Second group of Oso families settles for $11.5M

Second group of Oso families settles for $11.5M

The agreement resolves death, property damage and injury lawsuits against the state and a timber company.

Second group of Oso families settles for $11.5M
4 years later, grieving Oso families remember the mudslide

4 years later, grieving Oso families remember the mudslide

The ceremony was held near a cedar grove of 43 trees which represent the 43 people killed in 2014.

4 years later, grieving Oso families remember the mudslide
The Oso tree that withstood the mudslide finally comes down

The Oso tree that withstood the mudslide finally comes down

The Sitka spruce’s loss marks another season — and a moment to honor and treasure all that has passed.

The Oso tree that withstood the mudslide finally comes down