Mudslides, also known as landslides, occur when heavy rain or melting snow saturates the soil on a slope, causing it to become unstable. This can lead to a sudden flow of mud and debris down the hillside, which can damage homes, roads, and other structures. Areas with steep terrain, like the Sierra Nevada mountains, are particularly vulnerable to these natural disasters. These events can be triggered by various factors, including earthquakes, volcanic activity, or human activities like deforestation. To help prevent mudslides, it's important to maintain vegetation on slopes and manage water drainage effectively. Communities in at-risk areas often have emergency plans in place to protect residents during such events.