An expanded rainier lahar detection system for Mount Rainier NP and surrounding communities

Mount Rainier is an active stratovolcano with four major eruptive periods in the Holocene and a known history of large, far-reaching lahars (volcanic mudflows.) Of all the volcanic hazards at Mt. Rainier, lahars pose the greatest risk to communities downstream. The U.S. Geological Survey Cascades Volcano Observatory (USGS CVO) monitors Mount Rainier for signs of unrest. USGS CVO recently expanded continuous geophysical monitoring capabilities in Mount Rainier National Park (MORA) and the surrounding areas west of the park as part of a Congressionally funded initiative to upgrade the Rainier Lahar Detection System (RLDS). Since 2016 USGS CVO has installed 13 telemetered broadband seismic and infrasound (seismoacoustic) monitoring stations outside MORA along the Carbon, Mowich, and Puyallup drainages. Additionally, since 2020, USGS CVO has permitted and installed 12 new lahar monitoring stations within MORA boundaries and completed equipment upgrades at existing monitoring sites. The new stations and upgrades will significantly improve lahar detection capabilities on the Kautz and Tahoma Creek drainages. Five additional installations are planned along the White River, Northeast of MORA. Engagement and close coordination with partners from Pierce County, the Washington Emergency Management Division, South Sound 911, the National Park Service, and city-based emergency managers form Orting and Puyallup have been a critical component of this work.

Rebecca Kramer*, Benjamin Pauk, Dr. Wes Thelen, Dr. Seth Moran, Dr. Alex Iezzi
US Geological Survey, Cascades Volcano Observatory

Presentation given at North Coast & Cascades Science Days, 2024
go.nps.gov/sciencedays
[MORA]