War Games - Evaluating Risk-Video

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The speaker recounts a geotechnical risk assessment at Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station, home to NORAD. After extreme rainfall—about 15 inches over several days—debris blocked the north portal and runoff damaged embankments and utilities. Because the scope and number of slope problems were unknown, the team proposed a phased project, beginning with risk assessment.<br /><br />They identified seven areas where slope failure could affect mission-critical operations. At the north portal, estimated potential debris volumes exceeded the capacity of existing ring nets, so regular cleaning and maintenance were recommended. Slope investigations also found that wet shale lost substantial strength, increasing instability risk. One steep slope near the MEP plant had factors of safety ranging from 0.8 to 1.7; the team recommended a retaining wall.<br /><br />Key lessons: protect critical access and infrastructure, use site-specific evidence rather than relying uncritically on standard assumptions, and find creative ways to help clients understand and manage risk.

Keywords

geotechnical risk assessment

Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station

slope stability

debris flow

retaining wall

critical infrastructure protection