Experts in volcanology observing the Pacific Northwest have raised fresh alerts regarding various volcanic systems within the Cascade Range that are exhibiting increased seismic and thermal activity. The USGS Volcano Hazards Program monitors over a dozen potentially active volcanoes in the Cascade region, such as Mount Rainier, Mount Hood, Mount Shasta, and Lassen Peak — all situated near heavily populated areas in the United States. Researchers caution that a significant eruption from Mount Rainier could generate lahars — volcanic mudflows moving at 40 mph — affecting communities with more than 150,000 inhabitants within a matter of hours, leaving little time for evacuation.
