Scientists monitor Mount Adams after series of earthquakes shake Washington’s second-highest volcano and raise concerns about potential landslides

Mount Adams, the second-highest peak in Washington state, has been experiencing a series of small earthquakes, drawing the attention of scientists.

While the towering 12,000-foot stratovolcano has remained dormant for centuries, recent tremors have sparked discussions about its activity and potential risks.

A Sleeping Giant with a History of Disruption

Located about 55 miles southwest of Yakima, Mount Adams is classified as a ‘high-threat’ volcano.

This is not just because of its potential to erupt, but also due to the dangers associated with landslides, debris avalanches, and fast-moving mudflows, known as lahars.

These natural hazards can reach speeds of up to 50 miles per hour, putting thousands of residents at risk.

Despite its seemingly peaceful state, scientists at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) assert that Mount Adams will erupt again at some point.

However, predicting exactly when remains impossible, making continuous monitoring essential.

Earthquake Swarm Sparks Interest but No Immediate Alarm

Between September and October last year, seismic sensors detected nine small earthquakes around Mount Adams, ranging from magnitudes of 0.9 to 2.0.

Considering that the volcano typically experiences only one earthquake every two to three years, this increased activity caught scientists’ attention.

While an uptick in earthquakes can sometimes signal an impending eruption, experts emphasize that these recent tremors appear to be within the normal background activity for Mount Adams.

There is no immediate indication that an eruption is on the horizon.

The True Danger: Avalanches and Lahars

Surprisingly, the biggest threat posed by Mount Adams is not an explosive eruption.

Instead, the primary concern is its potential for landslides, avalanches, and lahars—massive flows of rock, ash, and ice that can rush down valleys like wet cement.

These can occur regardless of whether the volcano is actively erupting.

USGS scientists highlight that the ice-capped summit of Mount Adams hides large amounts of weakened rock.

If these unstable areas collapse, they could generate lahars capable of traveling vast distances, endangering communities downstream.

Expanding the Monitoring Network

In response to the recent earthquake activity, scientists have bolstered their monitoring efforts.

Working with the U.S. Forest Service, they installed three additional solar-powered seismic stations around Mount Adams.

These sensors will help track even the smallest tremors, offering crucial data to better understand the cause and implications of the quakes.

According to Holly Weiss-Racine of the Cascades Volcano Observatory (CVO), these stations will allow experts to pinpoint the size, depth, and location of seismic activity with greater accuracy.

The information gathered will help determine whether additional measures are necessary.

What the Data Tells Us So Far

Since October, seismic activity around Mount Adams has significantly decreased.

However, scientists remain vigilant, continuing to study the volcano’s behavior to detect any future changes.

Beyond assessing eruption risks, researchers hope the new monitoring equipment will provide deeper insights into Mount Adams’ long history.

Despite being observed for over four decades, there are still many unknowns about this ancient volcano, which has existed for hundreds of thousands of years.

One key question scientists aim to answer is just how geologically active Mount Adams truly is.

While earthquakes can sometimes trigger eruptions, this typically only happens when a volcano is already on the brink of erupting and if the quake is strong—above magnitude 6.

Since the recent tremors were relatively weak, they were not powerful enough to cause an eruption.

A Look Back at Mount Adams’ Eruptive Past

Mount Adams has a long geological history, forming roughly 520,000 years ago.

Located about 70 miles northeast of Vancouver, Washington, and Portland, Oregon, it has primarily produced slow-moving lava flows rather than explosive eruptions.

Scientists estimate that its last eruption occurred somewhere between 3,800 and 7,600 years ago.

Unlike dramatic volcanic explosions that send ash clouds into the sky, Mount Adams has mainly experienced effusive eruptions, which involve lava gradually oozing down its slopes.

What’s Next for Mount Adams?

For now, Mount Adams remains quiet, but that doesn’t mean it’s inactive.

With new monitoring stations in place, scientists will be keeping a close watch for any changes in seismic activity.

Whether it’s an eventual eruption or another geological shift, researchers are committed to understanding and preparing for whatever this massive volcano has in store.