Development of a rotational landslide in homogeneous material. The material fails, creating a curved slideplane. The gap at the top of the slide is called the scarp, and the excess material at the base of the slide is called the toe.

Translational landslide - these slides typically occur along a planar surface, such as between bedding planes. Translational slides are the most common in S. California in Miocene-aged Formation rocks.

Translational landslides begin in bedrock, such as siltstone, which is dipping in the same direction as the slope topography. Erosion occurs at the base of the hillside, either by a stream or even by a road cut. The bed no longer has anything to support it at its base, and begins to slide downslope.

Debris Flows - Typically occurs hilly/mountainous areas after a period of intense rain. A slurry of water, sediments, and debris, debris flows are a deadly hazard. Debris flows are common during the rainy season in areas that have recently been burned during a wildfire. Debris flow basins have been built along the foothills of the San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountains in an effort to control the direction of the flow and minimize damage to structures in the flow's path.