They have caused the deaths of a substantial number of Canadians, caused considerable damage to, and in some cases destruction of, elements of the nation's economic infrastructure.
Landslides also impact on the quality of Canada's resources.
They can be rapid or slow and occur in a wide variety of geologic environments including underwater. The hazard posed by landslides can be attributable to the impact of rapidly moving debris, the failure of ground directly beneath a structure, or due to secondary effects such as river damming or landslide-generated waves. Snow avalanches are mass movements of snow downslope and are a considerable hazard in the mountains of Canada particularly to those pursuing recreational activities, such as skiers and mountaineers. In the past, however, they have caused substantial death and destruction to mining and transportation facilities. There are many types of landslides.