Mount Rainier

Mount Rainier at 4,393 meters (14,410 feet) the highest peak in the Cascade Range is a dormant volcano whose load of glacier ice exceeds that of any other mountain in the conterminous United States. This tremendous mass of rock and ice, in combination with great topographic relief, poses a variety of geologic hazards, both during inevitable future eruptions and during the intervening periods of repose. This report,
(1) explains the various types of hazardous geologic phenomena that could occur at Mount Rainier,
(2) shows areas that are most likely to be affected by the different phenomena,
(3) estimates the likelihood that the areas will be affected, and
(4) recommends actions that can be taken to protect lives and property.

Mount Rainier is carefully monitored for signs of volcanic reawakening, and an eruption that could produce a catastrophic lahar initiated by vigorous release of meltwater is expected to follow days, weeks, or even months of readily detected symptoms of volcanic unrest. Thus, it is likely that there will be opportunity for citizens and communities to prepare for an impending eruption.