Scientists have issued a statement following a spike in seismic activity at Mount Adams in central Washington.
The volcano usually sees an earthquake every two or three years. There were six in September 2024 alone, the most in a single month since monitoring began in 1982.
An eruption of Mount Adams in Washington State could pose significant dangers due to its size, location, and geological characteristics. As one of the largest volcanoes in the Cascade Range, its eruption could trigger massive lahars—volcanic mudflows—caused by the rapid melting of glaciers on its slopes, threatening nearby communities, roads, and ecosystems.
While Mount Adams tends to produce less explosive eruptions compared to Mount St. Helens, the potential for lava flows, ashfall, and landslides still exists, which could devastate infrastructure, forests, and farmland in the surrounding areas.
Additionally, an eruption could trigger wildfires, especially in dry conditions, further compounding the risk to human life and property. Given its proximity to populated areas and vital resources, an eruption would require extensive emergency response and mitigation efforts to protect lives and reduce damage.