The compacted nature of glacial till in the Alderwood series makes this a superior buliding site. The cost of excavating down to this layer is substantial, but guarantees a stable foundation for the weight of a 24-story highrise building. The soils on Magnolia Bluff consist of a layer of loose sandy material overlying compacted glacial till, setting up potential slide hazards. Homes built on the edge of the bluff have tried various measures to stabilize the slope and to alter water runoff. Spraying shot-crete on the slope walls is hoped to hold soil in place.
Rainwater is diverted and channelled down to the bottom of the slope by long plastic pipes.
Pipes extending in between soil layers are meant to aid in drainage of water out of the slope. Marina building are built conspicuously far enough away to avoid slide damage. The soils here are very similar to those seen at the Marina. In most cases, a layer of loose sandy material overlies compacted glacial till, which in turn rests upon Esperance sand and Lawton clay deposits. Attempts to alleviate potential slope failures involve mainly the building of retaining walls, which are quickly filled in behind with sediment.