GeoEngineers’ Lookout Mountain Landslide Repair project has been recognized with a Local Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement (LOCEA) Award from the ASCE Seattle Section in the category of Outstanding Geotechnical Project.
GeoEngineers partnered with Whatcom County Parks & Recreation to restore and stabilize two failed segments of the LM 2000 access road at Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve. The steep, forested roadway provides critical access to communications towers and an underlying high-voltage power line, making the project essential to both public safety and infrastructure reliability.
Rather than relying on a traditional mass rock solution, the project team developed a drainage-focused stabilization approach aimed at addressing the root causes of the slope failures: excess surface water and groundwater. The final design incorporated slope drain systems, gabion energy dissipation features, and keyed rock buttresses to intercept water, reduce hydrostatic pressure, and protect the slopes within a highly constrained corridor.
The project was a strong example of collaboration in action. GeoEngineers worked closely with Wilson Engineering, Matia Contractors, and Whatcom County Parks to adapt the design in real time as variable and previously undocumented subsurface conditions were encountered. This teamwork helped ensure the approach remained technically sound, practical to construct, and responsive to field conditions.
The project also delivered clear public benefits. Stabilizing the roadway improved safety for maintenance crews, government personnel, utility leaseholders, and park visitors. Environmental stewardship was central throughout design and construction. Decisions were made to preserve vegetation, respect natural hydrology, and use locally sourced materials where possible. An alternatives analysis confirmed the selected approach was also more economical than reinforced soil slopes or structural retaining walls.
The result is a resilient and visually compatible stabilization project that protects critical infrastructure while preserving the natural character of Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve.
Congratulations to the whole team, and many thanks to P/A Aaron Hartvigsen, Project Manager Intisar Ahmed, Jacob Gillis, Sean Cool, Jacob Keasler, and everyone else who contributed to the project.
