Volcano Preparedness | Skagit County

Which Volcanoes Could Affect Skagit County?

GLACIER PEAK

Snohomish County's Glacier Peak is the most remote of the five active volcanoes in Washington State, and more than a dozen glaciers descend it's flanks, prompting it's name. Glacier Peak is not prominently visible from any major population center, and so it's attractions, as well as it's hazards, tend to be overlooked. Yet since the most recent ice age, this volcano has produced some of the largest and most explosive eruptions in the United States. Since the most recent ice age, it has erupted multiple times during at least six separate episodes. Glacier Peak and Mount St. Helens are the only volcanos in Washington State that have generated very large explosive eruptions in the past 15,000 years. During some of these eruptions, Glacier Peak erupted massive volumes of volcanic ash that was carried eastward by winds. Lahars (volcanic mudflows) rushed down the same river valleys that now sustain farmlands and communities.

MOUNT BAKER

Dominating Whatcom County’s skyline, Mount Baker is the playground of outdoor enthusiasts. Mount Baker is also an active volcano. The most recent eruption of Mount Baker was about 6700 years ago but explosions, collapse and lahars and a reheating in 1975 reminded local people of the volcano’s potential. On cold, clear days, you can see steam plumes rising from its crater. Mount Baker will erupt again, disrupting the landscape and the lives of people downstream and downwind.

During an eruption at Mount Baker, you can expect:

Lahars (volcanic mudflows caused by melting of snow and ice) that flow for tens of miles down valleys.
Ash fall, even during small eruptions, that disrupt air and ground transportation and dust our forests, farms, and towns with gritty rock fragments.

There will be warning. Future eruptions will be preceded by days or more of increased earthquakes and, possibly, by measurable swelling of the volcano and the increased emission of volcanic gases. USGS-CVO monitors the volcano for signs of unrest and provides public notifications.

While an eruption or lahar might not happen in our lifetime, being prepared is our best defense. A little time and effort spent in preparation now could keep you, your family, and your community safe when Glacier Peak next erupts.
Ice-clad beauties cause hazards during eruptions

Get to know the hazards.

Lahars (volcanic mudflows) can flow for tens of miles down valleys. Ash fall, even during small eruptions, can disrupt air and ground transportation and dust towns with gritty rock.

During an eruption, expect the following:

Mount Baker—lahars and some ash fall

Glacier Peak—lahars and substantial ash fall

There will be warning. Future eruptions will be preceded by increased earthquakes, and possibly by measurable swelling of the volcano and the increased emission of volcanic gases.

Lahar Maps

Lahar Map

Glacier Peak

Mount Baker

Is your community eruption ready?

A few moments spent in preparation now can keep you and your family safe during the next eruption.

READY	SET	GO!
Access your local hazards: Glacier Peak \| Mount Baker	Emergency Broadcasts NOAA weather radio and 511 emergency travel.	Evacuate by vehicle or on foot to high ground 50 feet or more above the valley floor.
Make a Plan Look at the map. Assess the hazards where you live, work, and commute. Make a plan. Identify evacuation routes and shelter above valley floors.	USGS Volcano Notification Service Receive notices on specified volcanoes. USGS Facebook	How to prepare for volcanic ash. If you are safe from lahars and ash is falling, seek shelter in a building or vehicle.
Emergency Kit Assemble emergency supplies and a plan to reunite.	Local Warning Alerts Sign up to be alerted for emergency events in Skagit County. When a lahar warning is issued, move off the valley floor (Nooksack, Skagit, Sauk, Stillaguamish)	Communicate Share your plans with family, neighbors and friends