Stabilize Retaining Wall Facing Imminent Failure

Cost Savings

Checklist Tasks

• Inspect for bulging, new cracks, or soil movement to locate unstable areas.
• Clear debris and vegetation from wall base to reduce added weight and moisture.
• Install angled timber or steel bracing against wall to slow further movement.
• Divert surface water with sandbags or trenches to relieve hydraulic pressure.
• Carefully remove a small amount of backfill at the top to lower soil pressure.
• Mark and document cracks and movement with dates for urgent engineer review.
• Shut off or reroute irrigation/drainage lines to limit further wall saturation.
• Place barriers and warning signs to keep people and pets away from danger area.
• Photograph the wall from several angles, highlighting all distress points.
• Contact a licensed structural engineer for emergency evaluation with records.
• Notify nearby property owners if their land or buildings are at risk.
• Prepare an evacuation plan if homes or access routes are directly threatened.