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What is Slope Failure? Slope failure refers to the downslope movement of rock debris and soil in response to gravitational stresses. It is a geohazard that can impact infrastructure – anything from individual homes to municipal sewer networks. Slope failures are often a result of weather events, poor soil structures, poor drainage and/ or land use. Each of these influences can lower the soil’s ability to resist shearing, leading to slope instability. The two most common types of slope failures are rotational failures and creep failures. Rotational failures typically occur in silt or clay soils and are indicated by curved cracks, and large expanses of exposed soils. Soil tends to slide in mass and migrate the toe of the slope. Common causes include wet or poorly drained soils and overdevelopment at the top of slope.