Mount Rainier last erupted in 1894-1895 but it is still considered one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the United States (US). If Mount Rainier were to erupt, which is quite possible, because it is considered by the US Geological Survey (USGS) as “an active volcano currently at rest between eruptions”, it could potentially cause widespread devastation. There would be volcanic ash, lava flows and avalanches of intensely hot rock and volcanic gases.
Twenty-five glaciers are located near the peak of Mount Rainer and the eruption events would melt an unknown quantity of snow and ice which could “produce torrents of meltwater that pick up loose rock and become rapidly flowing slurries of mud and boulders known as ‘lahars’.’’. While the flow of lava typically won’t extend more than 10 miles from the summit, the lahars can cover tens of miles and potentially reach Puget Sound. Also, volcanic ash would likely be carried eastward, away from the larger population centers surrounding Mount Rainer. However, volcanic ash can be a huge nuisance to residents and utility and transportation systems, especially aircraft. In addition, huge clean-up costs can be expected. Although about 800,000 people are at risk, the loss to large numbers of human lives can hopefully be avoided by emergency management plans, already is place
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