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1 |
2019-09-26 |
Unknown |
Mount Rainier National Park |
September 26 2019 Geologic Event |
EVENT DETAILS - SEPTEMBER 26 2019 GEOLOGIC EVENT
Database ID#: 148
Date: Thursday, September 26, 2019
Location: Mount Rainier National Park
Glacier Name: Nisqually Glacier
Drainage Basin:
Event Type: Unknown
Weather:
Cloudy with light precip
Season: Wet
Notes:
At 1210 on 9/26/19 I heard a significant thundering/rolling noise that lasted upwards to 20 seconds while hiking up the Skyline Trail. I was between the turn off to the dancefloor and the intersection with Deadhorse Creek Trail (lat/long 46°47'34.6"N 121°44'16.2"W).
The noise itself originated from somewhere within the Nisqually River/Glacier valley, but I could not see anything because we were in the clouds. It sounded somewhat near this point (46°48'29.6"N 121°44'45.7"W), after looking at a map.
The event sounded like large thunder with a long, rolling runout.
All of the visitors I saw saw after that event (some on the Edith Creek Basin side of Alta Vista and some some below me near the Skyline/Waterfall Trail intersection) heard it, too.
-----
Update by Scott Beason on 9/26/2019:
Event Time: Approx 12:10:07 PM PDT (19:10:07 UTC) on 2019-09-26
Something definitely shows up on seismic/spectra: http://www.morageology.com/spectra_lookup.php?ts=1569525007&tl=5&tr=5. Emailed Steve Malone to see if PNSN has any idea what it is
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
Submitted by Josh Boisvert (email: josh_boisvert@nps.gov, phone: 360.569.6505, other info: )
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2 |
2019-09-26 |
Debris Flow |
South Tahoma Glacier |
September 26 2019 Tahoma Creek Debris Flow |
EVENT DETAILS - SEPTEMBER 26 2019 TAHOMA CREEK DEBRIS FLOW
Database ID#: 149
Date: Thursday, September 26, 2019
Location: South Tahoma Glacier
Glacier Name: South Tahoma Glacier
Drainage Basin: Tahoma Creek
Event Type: Debris Flow
Weather:
Season: Wet
Notes:
Initial report - Debris Flow detected by seismic/RSAM system at 17:49:30 PDT (00:49:30 UTC). Confirmed in the field by S. Beason. Increased sediment transport, extremely turbid water, and characteristic muddy smell in the air. Event showed up on numerous seismographs. More to come.
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
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3 |
2019-09-07 |
Debris Flow |
Dry Creek |
September 7 2019 Dry Creek debris flow |
EVENT DETAILS - SEPTEMBER 7 2019 DRY CREEK DEBRIS FLOW
Database ID#: 146
Date: Saturday, September 7, 2019
Location: Dry Creek
Glacier Name: None
Drainage Basin:
Event Type: Debris Flow
Weather:
Short lived and intense rain storm
Season: Dry
Notes:
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
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4 |
2019-08-13 |
Avalanche |
Willis Wall |
August 13 2019 Willis Wall Avalanche |
EVENT DETAILS - AUGUST 13 2019 WILLIS WALL AVALANCHE
Database ID#: 147
Date: Tuesday, August 13, 2019
Location: Willis Wall
Glacier Name: Carbon Glacier
Drainage Basin:
Event Type: Avalanche
Weather:
Mostly sunny, a few clouds.
Season: N/A
Notes:
Large avalanche down the Willis Wall witnessed while hiking up to Mount Fremont. Avalanche lasted for about a minute or two.
I have a 45 second long video and pictures of the avalanche, please email me if those would be of any use or interest. We saw the avalanche begin and then heard the rumble from it a several seconds later.
Avalanche began around 12:01PM and was fully complete by 12:04.
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
Submitted by Katie Billings (email: katherine_billings@nps.gov, phone: 301-957-1636, other info: )
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5 |
2019-08-05 |
Debris Flow |
South Tahoma Glacier |
August 5 2019 Tahoma Creek Debris Flow |
EVENT DETAILS - AUGUST 5 2019 TAHOMA CREEK DEBRIS FLOW
Database ID#: 145
Date: Monday, August 5, 2019
Location: South Tahoma Glacier
Glacier Name: South Tahoma Glacier
Drainage Basin: Tahoma Creek
Event Type: Debris Flow
Weather:
See: http://dfh.morageology.com/view_dfh.php?d=2019-08-05
Season: Dry
Notes:
***** PRELIMINARY FINDINGS, UPDATED 2019-08-07 15:09:00 *****
A debris flow occurred on Monday, August 5, 2019, in Tahoma Creek on the southwest side of Mount Rainier National Park. The event occurred between approximately 6:44 pm and 8:10 pm. Preliminary findings and analysis of satellite imagery indicate that the origination of this event is likely from a sudden and catastrophic change in the primary outlet stream from terminus of the South Tahoma Glacier. This change caused a surge of water to go over loose, unconsolidated sediment-rich areas immediately downstream, which quickly turned the flow of water into a debris flow.
This event was initially detected by the park geologist on his way into the park—observing Tahoma Creek’s extreme sediment-rich character on Tuesday morning, August 6th, 2019. After viewing the seismic records from Emerald Ridge, and consultation with geoscientists at the USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory, the park temporarily closed the Westside Road to visitor and staff access while geologic investigations were undertaken by the park’s Geology and Imminent Threats Team. Geologists onboard the park’s contract A-Star B3 helicopter conducted aerial reconnaissance of the area on Tuesday afternoon and quickly identified the source and runout areas, and checked the South Tahoma Glacier for possible additional outburst geologic hazards. All of the park visitors and staff in the area were accounted for by Tuesday afternoon, but park staff will continue to monitor visitor use in the area.
The passage of Monday’s debris flow was recorded by the Emerald Ridge seismograph, which recorded a total of four individual surges. The debris flows washed downstream past the Tahoma Creek suspension bridge and deposited a great deal of material adjacent to the Westside Road, where the park had undertaken road stabilization measures over the past few years. These log and rock stabilization measures performed spectacularly well and likely saved severe damage to the roadway itself.
Individual Debris flow surge times:
http://service.iris.edu/irisws/timeseries/1/query?net=UW&sta=RER&cha=EHZ&start=2019-08-06T01:40:00&end=2019-08-06T03:20:00&format=plot&loc=--
UTC, Date = 08/06/2019:
DF1: Start 01:44:38 | Peak 02:00:00 | End 02:05:25 | Rank 4 | 20.78 min
DF2: Start 02:05:26 | Peak 02:10:43 | End 02:15:48 | Rank 2 | 10.37 min
DF3: Start 02:15:49 | Peak 02:20:00 | End 02:30:56 | Rank 3 | 15.12 min
DF4: Start 02:30:57 | Peak 02:38:47 | End 03:10:04 | Rank 1 | 39.12 min
TOTAL: Start 01:44:38 | End 03:10:04 | 85.26 min (1:25:26)
PDT, Date = 08/05/2019:
DF1: Start 18:44:38 | Peak 19:00:00 | End 19:05:25 | Rank 4 | 20.78 min
DF2: Start 19:05:26 | Peak 19:10:43 | End 19:15:48 | Rank 2 | 10.37 min
DF3: Start 19:15:49 | Peak 19:20:00 | End 19:30:56 | Rank 3 | 15.12 min
DF4: Start 19:30:57 | Peak 19:38:47 | End 20:10:04 | Rank 1 | 39.12 min
TOTAL: Start 18:44:38 | End 20:10:04 | 85.26 min (1:25:26)
**** EVENT NOTES SUBJECT TO CHANGE ****
Estimated Velocity: Downstream areas might have a velocity estimate based on runup elevations
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume: To be determined by analysis of worldview satellite imagery
References:
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6 |
2019-06-13 |
Rockfall |
Paradise Valley |
2019 Paradise Valley Road Rockfall |
EVENT DETAILS - 2019 PARADISE VALLEY ROAD ROCKFALL
Database ID#: 144
Date: Thursday, June 13, 2019
Location: Paradise Valley
Glacier Name: None
Drainage Basin: Paradise River
Event Type: Rockfall
Weather:
Season: N/A
Notes:
Several large rocks peeled away from rock face at upper Paradise Valley Road. A couple fell either late fall 2018 or early spring 2019. Large fissure formed with an estimated 120 ton rock (12x12x6ish ft) leaning over roadway.
Ongoing event
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
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7 |
2019-06-02 |
Avalanche |
Nisqually Cirque |
June 2 2019 Nisqually Glacier Icefall |
EVENT DETAILS - JUNE 2 2019 NISQUALLY GLACIER ICEFALL
Database ID#: 143
Date: Sunday, June 2, 2019
Location: Nisqually Cirque
Glacier Name: Nisqually Glacier
Drainage Basin: Nisqually
Event Type: Avalanche
Weather:
Recorded at Paradise:
GMT Date/Time Local Date/Time Air Temperature (°C) Dew Point Temperature (°C) Relative Humidity (%) Wind Direction (°) Wind Speed (mph) Wind Gust Speed (mph) Rainfall (in) Snow Depth (m) Solar Radiation (w/m2) Battery (V)
06/02/2019 17:00:00 2019-06-02 10:00:00 13.8667 8.8204 71.6 250 3.95 7.10 322.79 1.179 926.00 13.5
06/02/2019 16:00:00 2019-06-02 09:00:00 14.4056 4.4343 51.2 193 1.60 4.26 322.79 1.203 764.00 13.5
Season: Dry
Notes:
I usually wouldn't report this, but the picture, timing and associated seismic (RCM) waveform and spectra are very good. RCM spectra definitely shows up in the low frequency (2-8 Hz primarily).
Reported by Yonit Yogev.
Onset: 16:44:46.799 GMT (09:44:46 AM PDT)
Peak: 16:44:53.519 GMT (09:44:53 AM PDT)
Diminishes: 16:45:01.439 GMT (09:45:01 AM PDT)
Background: 16:45:30.959 GMT (09:45:30 AM PDT)
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
Yonit Yogev
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8 |
2018-10-28 |
Rockfall |
Stevens Canyon |
October 28 2018 Stevens Canyon Road Rockfall |
EVENT DETAILS - OCTOBER 28 2018 STEVENS CANYON ROAD ROCKFALL
Database ID#: 139
Date: Sunday, October 28, 2018
Location: Stevens Canyon
Glacier Name: None
Drainage Basin: Stevens Creek
Event Type: Rockfall
Weather:
Rainy, 2.34 in of rain from 14:00 Oct 27 - 00:00 Oct 29 @ Paradise
Season: Wet
Notes:
Reported by LE Brett Hergert: "The debris covered 50-75 ft of road, about 1/2 to 3/4 across. This is located below the upper tunnel."
Photos available on network drive.
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
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9 |
2018-09-26 |
Avalanche |
Nisqually Cirque |
Nisqually Cirque Avalanche |
EVENT DETAILS - NISQUALLY CIRQUE AVALANCHE
Database ID#: 138
Date: Wednesday, September 26, 2018
Location: Nisqually Cirque
Glacier Name: Nisqually Glacier
Drainage Basin:
Event Type: Avalanche
Weather:
Paradise @ 13:00: Temp 64.95 F, Dew Pt 36.66 F, RH 35%, West (268) wind at 4.5 mph Gust 7.8 mph, 0 Rain in last 24 hrs
Season: Dry
Notes:
Large avalanche type event on Upper Nisqually Cirque. Visitor captured on video (waiting for email). Reported to me by Yonit Yogev:
"Hey Scott, did you hear about the calving event/s today? Around 1:20 ish--Nisqually Cirque area again. A visitor got it on video, so I gave her your email address to send it to you. She seemed like a pretty serious photographer, so I hope it's good. She said it looked like a waterfall!"
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
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10 |
2018-09-05 |
Rockfall |
Nisqually Icefall |
September 5 2018 Nisqually Rock Fall |
EVENT DETAILS - SEPTEMBER 5 2018 NISQUALLY ROCK FALL
Database ID#: 137
Date: Wednesday, September 5, 2018
Location: Nisqually Icefall
Glacier Name: Nisqually Glacier
Drainage Basin:
Event Type: Rockfall
Weather:
Clear, dry, 55 degrees F
Season: N/A
Notes:
I was at Inspiration Point photographing the night sky btwn 10 pm and midnight. I hear a loud rumbling coming from the Nisqually Glacier area, but it was dark - so I couldn't see anything. It was quite loud and long-lasting, several seconds at least - maybe 30 seconds? I heard the sound at 11:09 and managed to record a video at 11:10, the tail end of the rockfall. It is barely detectable, I know was much quieter once I started the recording.
Nothing obvious on RCM and LO2 seismograph.
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
Submitted by Karen Thompson (email: karen_thompson@nps.gov, phone: 360-569-6507)
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11 |
2018-08-13 |
Rockfall |
Comet Falls |
August 13 2018 Van Trump Park Rockfall |
EVENT DETAILS - AUGUST 13 2018 VAN TRUMP PARK ROCKFALL
Database ID#: 136
Date: Monday, August 13, 2018
Location: Comet Falls
Glacier Name: None
Drainage Basin:
Event Type: Rockfall
Weather:
Very hot, smoky, dry.
Season: Dry
Notes:
Our location was right above the end of the maintained trail into the Van Trump park. The rockfall seemed to be happening on the other side of the ridge above us. We did not see it--just heard it. It went on for about 15 seconds or so.
Approx time: 15:50. Nothing crazy obvious on seismic.
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
Submitted by Yonit Yogev (email: Yonit_Yogev@nps.gov, phone: 360-569-6584)
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12 |
2018-08-04 |
Debris Flow |
Winthrop Creek |
August 4 2018 West Fork White River Debris Flow |
EVENT DETAILS - AUGUST 4 2018 WEST FORK WHITE RIVER DEBRIS FLOW
Database ID#: 135
Date: Saturday, August 4, 2018
Location: Winthrop Creek
Glacier Name: Winthrop Glacier
Drainage Basin: West Fork White River
Event Type: Debris Flow
Weather:
At White River Stream Gage: High 74, low 43. DFH = Medium. Dry, sunny after long period of dry/hot weather.
NOTE that there was convective activity in the area of Sunrise, which may have enhanced this event. Sunrise weather station down though.
Season: Dry
Notes:
Initially reported by Eric Marks (Puyallup Tribe) on 8/6/2018. Eric saw huge increases in turbidity on the Puyallup River (around RM 23.3 (1 mile below Buckley dam))... White River Stream Gage looked normal. Fremont RSAM system shows two debris-flow-like signatures between 08/04/2018 17:20 - 08/04/2018 17:37:00, and 18:40:00 - 18:57:00.
From Seth Moran, USGS/CVO:
Just had a look at FMW, and absolutely, there is at least one minutes-long debris-flow signal between about 0020-0155 UTC on August 5 (which translates to 1720-1855 PDT). I've attached a FMW webicorder plot for that time period for reference. The most obvious one is between 0020-0037 (possibly started earlier), which has all the characteristics - gradual onset and decay, pulsatory, and very high frequency content (20 Hz and up). There's another pulse between 0145-0155 UTC which looks right except that the spectra is white w/ no high-frequency peaks - which makes me wonder if that signal is more radio noise than anything else. At any rate, I think there's at least one good candidate for a debris-flow signal at that time.
Primary surge: http://rsam.morageology.com/rsam.php?stn=FMW&sd=2018-08-05T00%3A15%3A00&ed=2018-08-05T00%3A40&seiz=1
*** 2018-08-10 UPDATE ***
Paul and interns visited the Winthrop Glacier and Winthrop Creek - found no evidence of debris flow. Potential explanation is that the debris flow started from an area downstream of the glacier.
Event still being investigated.
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
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13 |
2018-08-01 |
Rockfall |
Longmire |
August 1 2018 Longmire Rockfall |
EVENT DETAILS - AUGUST 1 2018 LONGMIRE ROCKFALL
Database ID#: 132
Date: Wednesday, August 1, 2018
Location: Longmire
Glacier Name: None
Drainage Basin:
Event Type: Rockfall
Weather:
Hot and dry
Season: Dry
Notes:
Rock fall/slope failure along road edge just across the Longmire Nisqually bridge headed toward Community building.
Approximate GPS position: UTM 10N 0591081 5177931. Approximately 1-2 yd3 rockfall, occurred sometime between Monday, July 30, 2018 - Wednesday, August 1, 2018.
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume: 1-2 yd3
References:
Submitted by Pam Griffin (email: pam_griffin@nps.gov, phone: 360-569-6541)
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14 |
2018-07-31 |
Other Hydrologic Event |
|
Late July 2018 Tahoma Creek Overbank Flooding |
EVENT DETAILS - LATE JULY 2018 TAHOMA CREEK OVERBANK FLOODING
Database ID#: 133
Date: Tuesday, July 31, 2018
Location:
Glacier Name: None
Drainage Basin:
Event Type: Other Hydrologic Event
Weather:
very warm, clear skies
Season: Dry
Notes:
On 07/31/2018 at ~ 3 PM, water from the main stem of Tahoma Creek was observed to be running across the Westside Road at the Tahoma Creek trail head (also known as Barrel Curve). The source of this water is a recently re-occupied (as of November 2017) channel. The channel makes a sharp left-hand turn and a small portion (
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow: Approximately 725 cfs on USGS gage at National
Estimated Volume:
References:
Submitted by Robby Jost (email: robert_jost@nps.gov, phone: 360-569-6782)
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15 |
2018-07-30 |
Unknown |
Disappointment Cleaver |
July 2018 Disappointment Cleaver fissures |
EVENT DETAILS - JULY 2018 DISAPPOINTMENT CLEAVER FISSURES
Database ID#: 134
Date: Monday, July 30, 2018
Location: Disappointment Cleaver
Glacier Name: None
Drainage Basin:
Event Type: Unknown
Weather:
Season: N/A
Notes:
Initially reported by Seth Waterfall - several long, narrow fissures are being seen near the lower end of Disappointment Cleaver's climbing route. Approximate GPS position: 46.848744N 121.739021W.
This event is actively being investigated at this time.
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
Seth Waterfall
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16 |
2018-06-06 |
Rockfall |
Mount Rainier National Park |
June 6 2018 Glacier Hill Rock Fall |
EVENT DETAILS - JUNE 6 2018 GLACIER HILL ROCK FALL
Database ID#: 130
Date: Wednesday, June 6, 2018
Location: Mount Rainier National Park
Glacier Name: None
Drainage Basin:
Event Type: Rockfall
Weather:
Season: Dry
Notes:
Small rock fall occurred on Glacier Hill. See photos on network drive. Estimated size is ~2-4 cubic yards.
Note that rockfall occurs here frequently, but this was a slightly larger size than normal.
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
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17 |
2017-11-21 |
Flood |
Mount Rainier National Park |
November 21-23 2017 Flood |
EVENT DETAILS - NOVEMBER 21-23 2017 FLOOD
Database ID#: 114
Date: Tuesday, November 21, 2017
Location: Mount Rainier National Park
Glacier Name: None
Drainage Basin:
Event Type: Flood
Weather:
Rain!
Season: N/A
Notes:
This event is a placeholder right now for an anticipated flood event.
Peak Flow on 11/23 at National: 8,300 cfs (3.007 yr RI).
No real damage - Kautz went into high flow channel that was constructed by park staff (as hoped) and fully established itself in that channel. See photos.
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
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18 |
2017-11-21 |
Outburst Flood |
Emmons Glacier |
November 21 2017 Possible Emmons Glacier Outburst Floods |
EVENT DETAILS - NOVEMBER 21 2017 POSSIBLE EMMONS GLACIER OUTBURST FLOODS
Database ID#: 115
Date: Tuesday, November 21, 2017
Location: Emmons Glacier
Glacier Name: Emmons Glacier
Drainage Basin:
Event Type: Outburst Flood
Weather:
During a storm at the same time
Season: Wet
Notes:
Two possible (WINTER!) outburst floods:
11/21/2017 @ 17:00:
H2O temp dropped from 1.927 - 0.869 degrees C while stage increased from 2.4268 - 2.7286 feet (15 minutes)
11/22/2017 @ 00:30 - 02:00
H2O temp dropped from 0.766 - 0.079 degrees C while stage increased from 3.5249 - 4.2607 feet, then sudden decrease to 1.4265, then sudden increase to 3.2286 feet. In-water transducer failed with #2 error after 02:00.
Note that if the stage decrease is associated with a bed incision/reorganization, then the total increase in stream stage is 3.5249 - 6.0628 ft... 2.5379 foot increase during the outburst.
Unable to get to field yet to investigate issue.
Nothing unusual visible on RCM, RCS, and FMW seismographs. PANH down during that time.
This would be the 2nd possible recorded WINTER outburst flood from the Emmons, the other one being around 2014-04-09.
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
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19 |
2017-10-22 |
Flood |
Mount Rainier National Park |
October 2017 Flood |
EVENT DETAILS - OCTOBER 2017 FLOOD
Database ID#: 112
Date: Sunday, October 22, 2017
Location: Mount Rainier National Park
Glacier Name: None
Drainage Basin:
Event Type: Flood
Weather:
Paradise Precip:
10/18: 1.48
10/19: 2.13
10/20: 1.21
10/21: 4.44
10/22: 1.07
Longmire (SG) Precip:
10/18: 0.78
10/19: 2.48
10/20: 0.84
10/21: 3.50
10/22: 1.46
White River (SG) Precip:
10/18: 0.86
10/19: 1.88
10/20: 0.26
10/21: 2.54
10/22: 1.37
Freezing level 10/21: 6500 ft, 10/22: 5500 ft
Season: Wet
Notes:
Flood impacts at Kautz Creek and Carbon River.
Kautz Creek: Sediment accumulated upstream and downstream of twin culverts. Woody debris blocked culverts and required removal by roads crew.
Carbon River: Washout on trail below Ipsut Campground.
Tahoma Creek: Mainstem shifted into the 2015 debris flow channel adjacent to the lower Tahoma Creek Trail. Note that we had a GSA field trip on 10/21 and the mainstem was not there. From Claire Todd: "Tahoma Creek has reoccupied its channel that runs through the edge of the woods, where the Tahoma Creek Trail winds through just after its origin at West Side Road. I suspect that this happens every fall after heavy rain, but it was still interesting to see after some of the sessions on Sunday about sediment-choked/laterally-convex river channels."
Nisqually River at National peaked at 11,400 cfs (stage = 10.27 ft) at 2017-10-22 03:00:00, RI ~ 6.6 yr
Carbon River at Fairfax peaked at 7,640 cfs (stage = 13.56 ft) at 2017-10-22 03:15:00, RI ~ 5.8 yr
Outside of the park:
Skate Creek Road had a small debris flow which temporarily closed the road.
Mount St. Helens and Mt. Hood both had debris flows (per C. Driedger and K. Spicer)
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
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20 |
2017-09-20 |
Earthquake |
Mount Rainier National Park |
September 2017 Earthquake Swarm |
EVENT DETAILS - SEPTEMBER 2017 EARTHQUAKE SWARM
Database ID#: 82
Date: Wednesday, September 20, 2017
Location: Mount Rainier National Park
Glacier Name: None
Drainage Basin:
Event Type: Earthquake
Weather:
Varied, warm and dry to cool and wet
Season: N/A
Notes:
Over the last week more than 20 earthquakes have been located by the PNSN at Mount Rainier. In a typical week Mount Rainier experiences about two "located" earthquakes, so this represents a modest increase over background rates.
The seismicity uptick started late September 11 with a swarm of five earthquakes located 1-2 km to the southeast of the summit area. These earthquakes were shallow (up to 2 km above sea level), small (maximum magnitude was a M1.6), and in an area that has not had a lot of previously recorded seismicity. Beginning September 13, earthquakes were also detected about 1 km to the northeast and southeast of the summit, in areas where earthquakes typically occur at Mount Rainier. Depths for these events were 1-2 km below sea level, which is also typical for background seismicity at the volcano, and event magnitudes were small (maximum magnitude 1.2)
In total there have been 23 earthquakes since September 11, with event rates of up to eight located earthquakes per day. Although this is higher than the normal seismicity rates at Mount Rainier, it is not unprecedented. Over the past 10 years there have been three previous periods with similar or higher event rates (September 2009, April 2015 and May 2016). Current event rates are similar to those seen in April 2015 and May 2016, but are far smaller in rate, energy release, and total number of earthquakes than what was seen in September 2009, when a swarm featuring hundreds of located earthquakes occurred over a three-day period.
For the current swarm, earthquake location, depth, and size are all consistent with background seismicity; the only thing that is different is the event rate. These earthquakes are inferred by scientists to be caused by processes occurring in Mount Rainer's hydrothermal system.
THIS EVENT IS ONGOING AND LIKELY TO CHANGE.
http://www.morageology.com/earthquake_range.php?t0=1505433600&t1=1506297600&dt_length=50
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
S. Moran, personal communication.
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21 |
2017-09-03 |
Unknown |
Kautz Glacier |
September 2017 Possible Kautz Glacier Hydrologic Event |
EVENT DETAILS - SEPTEMBER 2017 POSSIBLE KAUTZ GLACIER HYDROLOGIC EVENT
Database ID#: 9
Date: Sunday, September 3, 2017
Location: Kautz Glacier
Glacier Name: Kautz Glacier
Drainage Basin: Kautz Creek
Event Type: Unknown
Weather:
Season: Dry
Notes:
Two men approached interpretation ranger doing Paradise Inn Evening Program and described hearing a "big roar" in the direction of the Kautz Creek headwaters at about 1 PM. They say they also saw a big cloud of dust rise up from that area. Ranger did not get visitor contact info and no other reports of this event have been received.
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
Grant Smith (Interpretation Ranger)
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22 |
2017-08-03 |
Unknown |
Kautz Glacier |
August 2017 Possible Kautz Glacier Hydrologic Event |
EVENT DETAILS - AUGUST 2017 POSSIBLE KAUTZ GLACIER HYDROLOGIC EVENT
Database ID#: 10
Date: Thursday, August 3, 2017
Location: Kautz Glacier
Glacier Name: Kautz Glacier
Drainage Basin: Kautz Creek
Event Type: Unknown
Weather:
Warm and Dry
Season: Dry
Notes:
Kautz Creek suspended sediment was remarkably high, about 8x other streams in the park (approximately 7000 NTU). Helicopter overflight by climbing rangers did not report anything unusual. Possible outburst flood or channel rearrangement high in the basin?
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
S.R. Beason
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23 |
2016-10-31 |
Unknown |
Kautz Glacier |
October 2016 Possible Kautz Glacier Hydrologic Event |
EVENT DETAILS - OCTOBER 2016 POSSIBLE KAUTZ GLACIER HYDROLOGIC EVENT
Database ID#: 13
Date: Monday, October 31, 2016
Location: Kautz Glacier
Glacier Name: Kautz Glacier
Drainage Basin: Kautz Creek
Event Type: Unknown
Weather:
Season:
Notes:
Visitor reported to Interpretation Ranger J. Killam seeing a surge of water out of Kautz Glacier. No other information provided and no contact info was obtained by Ranger Killam. Date estimated. No field evidence observed.
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
Janet Killam (Interpretation Ranger)
|
|
24 |
2016-10-25 |
Other Hydrologic Event |
Kautz Glacier |
October 2016 Possible Kautz Glacier Hydrologic Event |
EVENT DETAILS - OCTOBER 2016 POSSIBLE KAUTZ GLACIER HYDROLOGIC EVENT
Database ID#: 46
Date: Tuesday, October 25, 2016
Location: Kautz Glacier
Glacier Name: Kautz Glacier
Drainage Basin: Kautz Creek
Event Type: Other Hydrologic Event
Weather:
Season: N/A
Notes:
Dispatch reported to SRB a "debris flow" above mildred point. A lot of water sources above it, so stuff was coming down. Heard a bunch of noise and saw a lot of stuff coming down. Earlier today. A couple hours ago. Not sure of the event, calling it a hydrologic event.
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
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|
25 |
2016-10-15 |
Debris Flow |
Dry Creek |
2016 Dry Creek Debris Flow |
EVENT DETAILS - 2016 DRY CREEK DEBRIS FLOW
Database ID#: 47
Date: Saturday, October 15, 2016
Location: Dry Creek
Glacier Name: None
Drainage Basin: Tahoma Creek
Event Type: Debris Flow
Weather:
Season: Wet
Notes:
Dry Creek Debris Flow. See Paul's photos.
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
N:\Paul Lobo\PHOTOS-WORK\MORA -- Rainier all\Dry Creek DF 10-7-03 and 2016\2016 RJ
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|
26 |
2016-05-26 |
Rockfall |
Nisqually Vista |
2016 Nisqually Vista Area Landslide |
EVENT DETAILS - 2016 NISQUALLY VISTA AREA LANDSLIDE
Database ID#: 31
Date: Thursday, May 26, 2016
Location: Nisqually Vista
Glacier Name: None
Drainage Basin: Nisqually River
Event Type: Rockfall
Weather:
"Sizable" new landslide in Nisqually River channel upstream of Glacier Bridge, Right side as you look upstream, in the vicinity of Nisqually Vista overlook. 500+ ft vertical, 200 ft wide approx.
Season: Unknown
Notes:
Reported by LE Ranger Dave Keltner
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
Dave Kelter (LE Ranger)
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|
27 |
2015-10-30 |
Flood |
Mount Rainier National Park |
October 2015 Flood |
EVENT DETAILS - OCTOBER 2015 FLOOD
Database ID#: 45
Date: Friday, October 30, 2015
Location: Mount Rainier National Park
Glacier Name: None
Drainage Basin:
Event Type: Flood
Weather:
Atmospheric River storm
Season: Wet
Notes:
Flooding Event
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
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|
28 |
2015-10-10 |
Debris Flow |
Dry Creek |
2015 Dry Creek Debris Flow |
EVENT DETAILS - 2015 DRY CREEK DEBRIS FLOW
Database ID#: 44
Date: Saturday, October 10, 2015
Location: Dry Creek
Glacier Name: None
Drainage Basin: Tahoma Creek
Event Type: Debris Flow
Weather:
Season: Wet
Notes:
Dry Creek Debris flow
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
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|
29 |
2015-09-12 |
Debris Flow |
South Tahoma Glacier |
September 2015 South Tahoma Glacier Outburst Flood and Debris Flow |
EVENT DETAILS - SEPTEMBER 2015 SOUTH TAHOMA GLACIER OUTBURST FLOOD AND DEBRIS FLOW
Database ID#: 12
Date: Saturday, September 12, 2015
Location: South Tahoma Glacier
Glacier Name: South Tahoma Glacier
Drainage Basin: Tahoma Creek
Event Type: Debris Flow
Weather:
Warm and Dry
Season: Dry
Notes:
1 debris flow sequence
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
S.R. Beason (Report in Prep)
|
|
30 |
2015-08-19 |
Rockfall |
Success Cleaver |
August 2015 Success Cleaver Rockfall |
EVENT DETAILS - AUGUST 2015 SUCCESS CLEAVER ROCKFALL
Database ID#: 38
Date: Wednesday, August 19, 2015
Location: Success Cleaver
Glacier Name: None
Drainage Basin:
Event Type: Rockfall
Weather:
Season: N/A
Notes:
Large rockfall in the area of Success Cleaver.
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
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|
31 |
2015-08-13 |
Debris Flow |
South Tahoma Glacier |
August 2015 South Tahoma Glacier Outburst Flood and Debris Flow |
EVENT DETAILS - AUGUST 2015 SOUTH TAHOMA GLACIER OUTBURST FLOOD AND DEBRIS FLOW
Database ID#: 11
Date: Thursday, August 13, 2015
Location: South Tahoma Glacier
Glacier Name: South Tahoma Glacier
Drainage Basin: Tahoma Creek
Event Type: Debris Flow
Weather:
Warm and Dry
Season: Dry
Notes:
On August 13, 2015, during a warm, dry day, four separate debris flow sequences were identified via the Emerald Ridge seismic station. These debris flows began as outburst floods from the South Tahoma Glacier, and quickly "bulked up" in pro-glacial sediment downslope of the glacier terminus. The event was extremely well documented by seismic and acoustic monitors, park staff and visitors, satellite stereo-pair imagery, and by stream gages outside of the park. An acoustic soundscape monitor placed near the Tahoma Creek Trailhead on the West Side Road accurately recorded river noise during the event, including the passage of each debris flow surge. A park visitor also videoed the passage of the third debris flow with his cellphone, literally meters away from the group.
A geomorphic investigation of the area via helicopter on August 13 showed the source of the event at the 2,070 m (6,800 ft) terminus of the South Tahoma Glacier. The outlet stream from the glacier shifted approximately 150 m (500 ft) to the South, incising into pro-glacial sediment. Peak flow velocities were recorded by measuring super-elevation of debris on intact trees in the lower reaches of the debris flow deposits and indicated flows of between 4-6 m/s (14-20 ft/s). Throughout the remainder of August 13 and for the next few days, stream flows remained high on Tahoma Creek.
Estimated Velocity: 4-6 m/s (14-20 ft/s) at lower end
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
S.R. Beason (Report in prep)
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|
32 |
2015-01-05 |
Flood |
Mount Rainier National Park |
January 2015 Flood |
EVENT DETAILS - JANUARY 2015 FLOOD
Database ID#: 37
Date: Monday, January 5, 2015
Location: Mount Rainier National Park
Glacier Name: None
Drainage Basin:
Event Type: Flood
Weather:
Season: Wet
Notes:
Flood
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
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|
33 |
2015-01-05 |
Rockfall |
Backbone Ridge |
2015 Backbone Ridge Rockfall |
EVENT DETAILS - 2015 BACKBONE RIDGE ROCKFALL
Database ID#: 39
Date: Monday, January 5, 2015
Location: Backbone Ridge
Glacier Name: None
Drainage Basin:
Event Type: Rockfall
Weather:
During storm the same day?
Season: Wet
Notes:
Backbone Ridge/Stevens Canyon Rockfall. ESTIMATED DATE. Likely occurred during storm that hit this day.
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
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|
34 |
2014-11-25 |
Flood |
Mount Rainier National Park |
November 2014 Flood |
EVENT DETAILS - NOVEMBER 2014 FLOOD
Database ID#: 36
Date: Tuesday, November 25, 2014
Location: Mount Rainier National Park
Glacier Name: None
Drainage Basin:
Event Type: Flood
Weather:
Season: Wet
Notes:
Flood.
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
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|
35 |
2014-05-15 |
Rockfall |
Mount Wow |
2014 Mount Wow Rockfall |
EVENT DETAILS - 2014 MOUNT WOW ROCKFALL
Database ID#: 35
Date: Thursday, May 15, 2014
Location: Mount Wow
Glacier Name: None
Drainage Basin: Tahoma Creek
Event Type: Rockfall
Weather:
Season: Unknown
Notes:
Mount Wow Rockfall. On Thursday, May 15, 2014 at about 10:30 AM, approximately 8,500 cubic feet of Oligocene-age (~30 ma) Ohanapecosh Formation andesite slid off the east face of Mount Wow at about the 4,000-foot level. The rock fall traveled approximately one-quarter-mile down a steep talus and scree slope, and deposited large boulders on the West Side Road parking area at the 2,800-foot level. An NPS owl crew further up the West Side Road heard the rock fall, allowing the timing of the event to be determined. A visitor's vehicle was totaled by a large rock and the parking area sustained impact crater damage from the boulders. No eyewitnesses directly observed the event itself and there were no injuries sustained. The largest of the craters in the road/parking area is approximately 8 feet wide by 3 feet deep. Numerous boulders were deposited on the scree field between the source and deposition areas, including a boulder that is roughly 30 feet wide by 20 feet long by 5 feet high. About 45 boulders with a diameter greater than 1 foot reached the parking area, with an estimated combined volume of 4,345 cubic feet. It is estimated that at least this much additional material stopped short of the parking area and is deposited on the scree field above the road. Therefore, we estimate the size of the rock fall to be approximately 8,500 cubic feet (315 cubic yards)
***UPDATE ON EVENT TIME***
RER Seismograph shows the primary rockfall was at 2014-05-15 17:09:42 UTC (2014-05-15 10:09:42 PDT). Shows up clearly on LO2 and STAR as well. See: http://service.iris.edu/irisws/timeseries/1/query?net=UW&sta=RER&cha=EHZ&start=2014-05-15T17:09:41&end=2014-05-15T17:13:00&format=plot&loc=--
Possible (very) small additional rock fall at approximately 17:11:30 and 17:12:20 UTC.
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume: 241 m3 (8,500 ft3)
References:
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|
36 |
2014-04-09 |
Unknown |
Emmons Glacier |
2014 Emmons Glacier Possible Winter Outburst Flood |
EVENT DETAILS - 2014 EMMONS GLACIER POSSIBLE WINTER OUTBURST FLOOD
Database ID#: 34
Date: Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Location: Emmons Glacier
Glacier Name: Emmons Glacier
Drainage Basin: White River
Event Type: Unknown
Weather:
Unknown
Season: Wet
Notes:
Possible winter glacier outburst flood on Emmons Glacier. Reported by Ben Wright on April 9, 2014. From Ben: Yesterday I took some photos of something I have not seen before on the Emmons. It appears a massive flood
of water came down the lower portion of the emmons starting just above the bottom of the clean ice tongue
(stake 4) . The flow appears to have come out of a moulin that formed a few years ago that grew significantly last
year. The flow removed the entire winter snowpack for a distance of about 1/2 mile of the glacier surface... It
appears to have happened fairly recently because there was less than a meter of snow over the ice at stake 4
that had fallen since the event. With this data and rainfall data one could probably pinpoint the date.
Downstream I did not notice anything unusual but there is still about 3 ft of snow that may change my opinion
once snow melts...
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
Ben Wright Email
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|
37 |
2014-02-28 |
Avalanche |
Nisqually Cleaver |
February 2014 Avalanche |
EVENT DETAILS - FEBRUARY 2014 AVALANCHE
Database ID#: 142
Date: Friday, February 28, 2014
Location: Nisqually Cleaver
Glacier Name: Nisqually Glacier
Drainage Basin:
Event Type: Avalanche
Weather:
Season: N/A
Notes:
See: https://pnsn.org/blog/2014/02/28/ice-avalanches-on-cascade-volcanoes
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
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|
38 |
2012-10-27 |
Outburst Flood |
Nisqually Glacier |
October 2012 Nisqually Glacier Outburst Flood |
EVENT DETAILS - OCTOBER 2012 NISQUALLY GLACIER OUTBURST FLOOD
Database ID#: 33
Date: Saturday, October 27, 2012
Location: Nisqually Glacier
Glacier Name: Nisqually Glacier
Drainage Basin: Nisqually River
Event Type: Outburst Flood
Weather:
Wet/Rainy... Precip Records, 2017-10-27:
12:00: 0.20 in
13:00: 0.21 in
14:00: 0.15 in
15:00: 0.19 in
16:00: 0.29 in
17:00: 0.24 in
18:00: 0.39 in
19:00: 0.40 in
20:00: 0.15 in
21:00: 0.17 in
22:00: 0.15 in
23:00: 0.09 in
00:00: 0.01 in
0.00 after that
Season: Wet
Notes:
A small glacial outburst flood occurred at Mount Rainier National Park on Saturday, October 27, 2012 at approximately 9:00 PM. This event, while significant, was localized in scale, caused no damage to park facilities, and was not volcanic in origin. It likely originated from the Nisqually Glacier as result of moderate to intense rainfall. A stream gage located at Longmire registered a 2.8 foot (0.85 meter) rise in river water level between 8:30 and 9:45 pm and the spike was seen on other gages downstream of the park. Field data concurs with the stream gage and shows evidence of a several-foot surge of water in the Nisqually River.
*** 2018-08-10 UPDATE ***
So this is interesting... There's a clear seismic signal that shows up park-wide at approx 2012-10-27 03:07:00 UTC ish...
Longmire: http://service.iris.edu/irisws/timeseriesplot/1/query?net=UW&sta=LO2&loc=--&cha=EHZ&starttime=2012-10-28T00:00:00&endtime=2012-10-28T23:59:59&helicordermode=true&format=png
Camp Muir: http://service.iris.edu/irisws/timeseriesplot/1/query?net=UW&sta=RCM&loc=--&cha=EHZ&starttime=2012-10-28T00:00:00&endtime=2012-10-28T23:59:59&helicordermode=true&format=png
Emerald Ridge: http://service.iris.edu/irisws/timeseriesplot/1/query?net=UW&sta=RER&loc=--&cha=EHZ&starttime=2012-10-28T00:00:00&endtime=2012-10-28T23:59:59&helicordermode=true&format=png
I have an email out to Steve and Seth to figure out what this is.
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
Beason (2012) (Unpublished brief)
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|
39 |
2012-02-22 |
Avalanche |
Emmons Glacier |
February 2012 Emmons Glacier Avalanche |
EVENT DETAILS - FEBRUARY 2012 EMMONS GLACIER AVALANCHE
Database ID#: 42
Date: Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Location: Emmons Glacier
Glacier Name: Emmons Glacier
Drainage Basin: White River
Event Type: Avalanche
Weather:
Heavy Snow
Season: Wet
Notes:
From S. Malone email:
Stefan, Barbara and Paul,
I thought I should let you know that there were a couple of largish seismic events (almost certainly of surface origin).
-The first was at about 10:08 am PST yesterday morning, lasting about a minute and looks to me like a large very wet snow and ice avalanche (maybe with rock). Its very hard to get an approximate location but my guess is the south-east side of the upper mountain (Little Tahoma??).
-The second was in the afternoon at about 3:15 pm PST and lasted for several minutes. It looks to me more like a smallish lahar. Again, its hard to get a location but seems more likely to be on the south-east and lower down than the previous avalanche.
A third event was yesterday evening about 10:22 pm PST and seems much smaller than the other two events and again looks more like an avalanche than a lahar, this one on the north-east side of the mountain.
Do you folks have any reports of anything like this? I know the weather was pretty bad and so not likely anyone was out where they could see or even hear these but..... ?
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
Steve Malone
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|
40 |
2012-02-19 |
Other Hydrologic Event |
Carbon Glacier |
February 2012 Carbon River Hydrologic Event |
EVENT DETAILS - FEBRUARY 2012 CARBON RIVER HYDROLOGIC EVENT
Database ID#: 41
Date: Sunday, February 19, 2012
Location: Carbon Glacier
Glacier Name: Carbon Glacier
Drainage Basin: Carbon River
Event Type: Other Hydrologic Event
Weather:
Snow
Season: Wet
Notes:
There was a lot of glacial silt in the Carbon yesterday. It's been very clear all winter, but Sunday had very definite glacial flour - especially upstream before it gets diluted by side creeks. Photo is from the Chenuis area.
The river was up a bit, consistent with Saturday's rain and the low freezing level. Fairfax gage shows a double peak, which doesn't match the rain or temperature traces (though it's more than 10 miles to the mountain).
Probably not big enough to see any change to the glacier, especially with all the new snow.
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
Flash Parlini
|
|
41 |
2011-07-27 |
Rockfall |
Nisqually Icefall |
2011 Nisqually Ice Cliff Rockfalls |
EVENT DETAILS - 2011 NISQUALLY ICE CLIFF ROCKFALLS
Database ID#: 32
Date: Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Location: Nisqually Icefall
Glacier Name: Nisqually Glacier
Drainage Basin: Nisqually River
Event Type: Rockfall
Weather:
Dry
Season: Dry
Notes:
3 large rockfalls from the Nisqually Ice Cliff - July 25-27, 2011
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
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|
42 |
2011-01-15 |
Flood |
Mount Rainier National Park |
January 2011 Flood |
EVENT DETAILS - JANUARY 2011 FLOOD
Database ID#: 96
Date: Saturday, January 15, 2011
Location: Mount Rainier National Park
Glacier Name: None
Drainage Basin:
Event Type: Flood
Weather:
Season: Wet
Notes:
3.4 year flood (8700 cfs peak at 1145 am). 4.17 inches of rain at Paradise, about 2 inches in Ashford. Approx 15 inches of snow loss at Paradise.
Sunshine Point is fine... nothing really observed at risk or in danger. Water was across most of the channel and flowing rapidly.
New Tahoma had clear water, no sediment observed in it and only moderate hillslope runoff.
Tahoma:
Above the bridge: channel widening occurred and the left bank had incision
Below the bridge: channel widening... hardly any of the dreged material remains.
Longmire: Flow across almost all of the channel bottom from upstream of the bridge to the powerlines. Significant bedload movement. Also, significant bank erosion right bank downstream of snow dump.
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
S.R. Beason personal observations
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|
43 |
2010-09-16 |
Unknown |
Ohanapecosh Campground |
Possible Ohanapecosh Glacier Hydrologic Event |
EVENT DETAILS - POSSIBLE OHANAPECOSH GLACIER HYDROLOGIC EVENT
Database ID#: 97
Date: Thursday, September 16, 2010
Location: Ohanapecosh Campground
Glacier Name: Ohanapecosh Glacier
Drainage Basin: Ohanapecosh River
Event Type: Unknown
Weather:
Raining
Season: Wet
Notes:
Ohanapecosh river rose approximately one foot and the water turned white. Water level and color returned to normal after several hours.
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
Reported by campground host and Interpretive Ranger Tom Prang
|
|
44 |
2010-08-22 |
Rockfall |
Curtis Ridge |
2010 Curtis Ridge Rockfall |
EVENT DETAILS - 2010 CURTIS RIDGE ROCKFALL
Database ID#: 98
Date: Sunday, August 22, 2010
Location: Curtis Ridge
Glacier Name: None
Drainage Basin:
Event Type: Rockfall
Weather:
Dry, Clear, Calm
Season: Dry
Notes:
Major rockfall event on Curtis Ridge was reported by climbing rangers at Camp Schurman, apparently a large event that coated the camp with rock dust. This dust cloud was in turn visible by rangers at Camp muir blowing up over Little Tahoma
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
Philippe Wheelock, philippewheelock@yahoo.com
David Gottlieb
|
|
45 |
2009-12-11 |
Earthquake |
Mount Rainier National Park |
2009 Earthquake Swarm |
EVENT DETAILS - 2009 EARTHQUAKE SWARM
Database ID#: 99
Date: Friday, December 11, 2009
Location: Mount Rainier National Park
Glacier Name: None
Drainage Basin:
Event Type: Earthquake
Weather:
Season: N/A
Notes:
a handful of small shallow earthquakes at Mount Rainier occurring late Thursday evening into Friday morning (12/10-12/11). The largest event (M 2.3) occurred at 21:30 PST on 12/10. Preliminary locations from the PNSN indicate that the shallow earthquakes were located ~1 mile northeast of the summit, in the vicinity of a larger earthquake swarm that occurred September 20-23, 2009. This seismicity is considered to be within the realm of normal activity at Mount Rainier.
http://www.morageology.com/earthquake_range.php?t0=1260316800&t1=1260576000&dt_length=50
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
Email from CVO to park
|
|
46 |
2009-09-22 |
Earthquake |
Mount Rainier National Park |
September 2009 Earthquake Swarm |
EVENT DETAILS - SEPTEMBER 2009 EARTHQUAKE SWARM
Database ID#: 83
Date: Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Location: Mount Rainier National Park
Glacier Name: None
Drainage Basin:
Event Type: Earthquake
Weather:
Season: N/A
Notes:
A vigorous swarm of over 1000 small, shallow earthquakes occurred 20-22 September 2009 beneath Mount Rainier, Washington, including the largest number of events ever recorded in a single day at Rainier since seismic stations were installed on the edifice in 1989.
http://www.morageology.com/earthquake_range.php?t0=1253422800&t1=1253608200&dt_length=50
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
Shelly et al. (2013)
|
|
47 |
2009-07-31 |
Rockfall |
South Tahoma Glacier |
2009 South Tahoma Glacier Rockfall |
EVENT DETAILS - 2009 SOUTH TAHOMA GLACIER ROCKFALL
Database ID#: 100
Date: Friday, July 31, 2009
Location: South Tahoma Glacier
Glacier Name: South Tahoma Glacier
Drainage Basin:
Event Type: Rockfall
Weather:
Season: Dry
Notes:
A large dust cloud was observed in the bowl at the top of the South Tahoma Glacier around 2030hrs. Unable to determine if the cloud was caused by rockfall or avalanche, etc
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
Kevin Ross
|
|
48 |
2009-01-07 |
Flood |
Mount Rainier National Park |
January 2009 Flood |
EVENT DETAILS - JANUARY 2009 FLOOD
Database ID#: 127
Date: Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Location: Mount Rainier National Park
Glacier Name: None
Drainage Basin:
Event Type: Flood
Weather:
Season: Wet
Notes:
Uncertain park damage.
Peak Flows:
Carbon River - 11600 cfs (25.12 yr RI)
Nisqually River - 13400 cfs (10.99 yr RI)
These events were less than 100 cfs and 500 cfs, respectively, from events that occurred 11/12/2008.
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
|
|
49 |
2008-11-12 |
Flood |
Mount Rainier National Park |
November 2008 Flood |
EVENT DETAILS - NOVEMBER 2008 FLOOD
Database ID#: 40
Date: Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Location: Mount Rainier National Park
Glacier Name: None
Drainage Basin:
Event Type: Flood
Weather:
Season: Wet
Notes:
Peak Flows:
Carbon River - 11700 cfs (26.04 yr RI)
Nisqually River - 13900 cfs (12.40 yr RI)
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
|
|
50 |
2008-11-08 |
Rockfall |
Ricksecker Point |
November 2008 Ricksecker Point Landslide |
EVENT DETAILS - NOVEMBER 2008 RICKSECKER POINT LANDSLIDE
Database ID#: 43
Date: Saturday, November 8, 2008
Location: Ricksecker Point
Glacier Name: None
Drainage Basin: Nisqually River
Event Type: Rockfall
Weather:
During storm
Season: Wet
Notes:
CHECK DATE
Ricksecker Point Rockfall - into river channel at Lower Van Trump Hairpin
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
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|
51 |
2007-12-04 |
Avalanche |
Stevens Creek |
December 2007 Stevens Creek Avalanche |
EVENT DETAILS - DECEMBER 2007 STEVENS CREEK AVALANCHE
Database ID#: 102
Date: Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Location: Stevens Creek
Glacier Name: None
Drainage Basin: Stevens Creek
Event Type: Avalanche
Weather:
12/1/07 there was 33" snow at Paradise and a rain on snow event occurred on 12/3 or 12/4 with about 4" rain
Season: N/A
Notes:
From Stefan Lofgren:
The avalanche that happened this winter near the Steven's Creek bridge on the Steven's Canyon Rd. is impressive to say the least. I had a good opportunity to explore the terrain in the start zone and along the perimeter of the slide path. I've run some of the numbers and here are some initial estimates.
This slide having occurred so close to the road creates an excellent interpretive opportunity for visitors.
Steven’s Creek Avalanche
Statistical Estimates:
Approximate Date: 12/3-4/07
Length: 3200 ft.
Vertical: 1500 ft.
Approximate Total Area: 80 Acres
Weight of Snow: 64,000 kg
Cubic Volume of Snow: 160,000 m3
Acres of Forest Destroyed: 15 acres sparse forest
Destructive Force: 20-40 kPa (kilopascals)
Cause and Discussion:
The Steven’s Creek avalanche most likely occurred on the 3rd or 4th of December, 2007 after a rain event that drenched the shallow snowpack. On the 1st of December, 2007, there were 33 inches of snow recorded at Paradise. This warm weather event produced about 4 inches of rain. Rapid weight, water, and warmth added to a snowpack created very unstable conditions. Although no one observed this avalanche, it is likely that the avalanche took most of the available snow in the start zone all the way down to the ground. This is called a climax avalanche.
Roughly 15 acres of sparse forest were completely flattened. Limbs on trees left standing show that the air blast and/or the snow reached 20-30 feet up. Dozens of trees were pulled right out of the ground by their root wads.
Destructive force can be measured in kilopascals. One kilopascal is equivalent to roughly 670 lbs per square foot. The 20-40 kPa of destructive force capable of flattening trees like this would be like standing about 150 meters away from 9,000 kg of TNT! Standing 2,200 m above and 1,000 m away from a 20kg atomic bomb would have a similar destructive force.
During this warm weather event in December, the Northwest Weather and Avalanche Center elevated the avalanche danger rating to extreme. A number of avalanche fatalities occurred in Washington during this period.
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
S. Lofgren
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|
52 |
2007-12-03 |
Flood |
Mount Rainier National Park |
December 2007 Flood |
EVENT DETAILS - DECEMBER 2007 FLOOD
Database ID#: 101
Date: Monday, December 3, 2007
Location: Mount Rainier National Park
Glacier Name: None
Drainage Basin:
Event Type: Flood
Weather:
Heavy precipitation, ran on snow
Season: Wet
Notes:
Parkwide heavy precipitation and rain on snow event caused rivers to rise and some minor flooding at White River was documented (see attachment). Longmire employees were evacuated when Nisqually River stream gauge at National was reaching "flood warning" stage.
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
B. Samora
|
|
53 |
2006-11-06 |
Debris Flow |
Van Trump Glacier |
2006 Van Trump Debris Flow |
EVENT DETAILS - 2006 VAN TRUMP DEBRIS FLOW
Database ID#: 21
Date: Monday, November 6, 2006
Location: Van Trump Glacier
Glacier Name: Van Trump Glaciers
Drainage Basin: Van Trump Creek
Event Type: Debris Flow
Weather:
45.7 cm of rain in 36 hours
Season: Wet
Notes:
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
Copeland (2010)
|
|
54 |
2006-11-06 |
Debris Flow |
Pyramid Creek |
2006 Pyramid Creek Debris Flow |
EVENT DETAILS - 2006 PYRAMID CREEK DEBRIS FLOW
Database ID#: 22
Date: Monday, November 6, 2006
Location: Pyramid Creek
Glacier Name: Pyramid Glaciers
Drainage Basin: Pyramid Creek
Event Type: Debris Flow
Weather:
45.7 cm of rain in 36 hours
Season: Wet
Notes:
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
Copeland (2010)
|
|
55 |
2006-11-06 |
Debris Flow |
Winthrop Glacier |
2006 Winthrop Glacier Debris Flow |
EVENT DETAILS - 2006 WINTHROP GLACIER DEBRIS FLOW
Database ID#: 23
Date: Monday, November 6, 2006
Location: Winthrop Glacier
Glacier Name: Winthrop Glacier
Drainage Basin: West Fork White River
Event Type: Debris Flow
Weather:
45.7 cm of rain in 36 hours
Season: Wet
Notes:
P. Kennard notes: There was a large flood out of the Winthrop glacier, and it severely disturbed the WF White River to the park boundary. This was likely the largest disturbance in the park from the flood.
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
Copeland (2010)
P. Kennard
|
|
56 |
2006-11-06 |
Debris Flow |
Inter Glacier |
2006 Inter Glacier Debris Flow |
EVENT DETAILS - 2006 INTER GLACIER DEBRIS FLOW
Database ID#: 24
Date: Monday, November 6, 2006
Location: Inter Glacier
Glacier Name: Inter Glacier
Drainage Basin: Inter Fork White River
Event Type: Debris Flow
Weather:
45.7 cm of rain in 36 hours
Season: Wet
Notes:
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
Copeland (2010)
|
|
57 |
2006-11-06 |
Debris Flow |
South Tahoma Glacier |
2006 Tahoma Creek Debris Flow |
EVENT DETAILS - 2006 TAHOMA CREEK DEBRIS FLOW
Database ID#: 25
Date: Monday, November 6, 2006
Location: South Tahoma Glacier
Glacier Name: South Tahoma Glacier
Drainage Basin: Tahoma Creek
Event Type: Debris Flow
Weather:
45.7 cm of rain in 36 hours
Season: Wet
Notes:
November 5-7 atmospheric river storm that caused record flooding and debris flows in almost every glaciated drainage basin in the park. See Copeland (2010) for complete list of all affected drainage basins.
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
Copeland (2010)
|
|
58 |
2006-11-06 |
Debris Flow |
Kautz Glacier |
2006 Kautz Glacier Debris Flow |
EVENT DETAILS - 2006 KAUTZ GLACIER DEBRIS FLOW
Database ID#: 26
Date: Monday, November 6, 2006
Location: Kautz Glacier
Glacier Name: Kautz Glacier
Drainage Basin: Kautz Creek
Event Type: Debris Flow
Weather:
45.7 cm of rain in 36 hours
Season: Wet
Notes:
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
Copeland (2010)
|
|
59 |
2006-11-06 |
Flood |
Fryingpan Creek |
2006 Fryingpan Creek Flood |
EVENT DETAILS - 2006 FRYINGPAN CREEK FLOOD
Database ID#: 27
Date: Monday, November 6, 2006
Location: Fryingpan Creek
Glacier Name: Fryingpan Glacier
Drainage Basin: Fryingpan Creek
Event Type: Flood
Weather:
45.7 cm of rain in 36 hours
Season: Wet
Notes:
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
Copeland (2010)
|
|
60 |
2006-11-06 |
Flood |
Carbon Glacier |
2006 Carbon Glacier Flood |
EVENT DETAILS - 2006 CARBON GLACIER FLOOD
Database ID#: 28
Date: Monday, November 6, 2006
Location: Carbon Glacier
Glacier Name: Carbon Glacier
Drainage Basin: Carbon River
Event Type: Flood
Weather:
45.7 cm of rain in 36 hours
Season: Wet
Notes:
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
Copeland (2010)
|
|
61 |
2006-11-06 |
Flood |
Cowlitz Glacier |
2006 Cowlitz Glacier Debris Flow |
EVENT DETAILS - 2006 COWLITZ GLACIER DEBRIS FLOW
Database ID#: 29
Date: Monday, November 6, 2006
Location: Cowlitz Glacier
Glacier Name: Cowlitz Glacier
Drainage Basin: Muddy Fork Cowlitz River
Event Type: Flood
Weather:
45.7 cm of rain in 36 hours
Season: Wet
Notes:
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
Copeland (2010)
|
|
62 |
2006-11-06 |
Rockfall |
Shaw Creek |
2006 Shaw Creek Rockfall |
EVENT DETAILS - 2006 SHAW CREEK ROCKFALL
Database ID#: 30
Date: Monday, November 6, 2006
Location: Shaw Creek
Glacier Name: None
Drainage Basin: Shaw Creek
Event Type: Rockfall
Weather:
45.7 cm of rain in 36 hours
Season: Wet
Notes:
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
Copeland (2010)
|
|
63 |
2006-11-06 |
Flood |
Mount Rainier National Park |
November 2006 Flooding |
EVENT DETAILS - NOVEMBER 2006 FLOODING
Database ID#: 95
Date: Monday, November 6, 2006
Location: Mount Rainier National Park
Glacier Name: None
Drainage Basin:
Event Type: Flood
Weather:
Season: N/A
Notes:
This is the catch all event for all other storm damage from the November 6, 2006 storm.
From B. Samora:
A "pineapple express" storm system that brought intense rainfall to western Washington during the past three days has pushed river flows in the Carbon and Puyallup to new all-time record high flows. Although the stream gage on the Nisqually at National did not reach record flows, damage inside of the park boundaries suggests that these high gradient streams were affected by debris flows and possibly glacier outburst floods.
Between 11/5/2006 at 1:00 pm and 11/7/2006 at 4:00 pm, 16.45 inches of precipitation (rain) was recorded at the Paradise Northwest Avalanche Center weather station. During this same time period precipitation at Sunrise was 8.02; Crystal Mt. recorded 5.61 inches; Chinook Pass recorded 9.92 inches; and 8.71 inches was recorded at Ohanapecosh from 11/5/2006 at 1:00 pm through 11/7/2006 at 5:00 pm. Precipitation recorded around the same time at the Carbon River at Fairfax stream gage site was 8.76 inches.
From S. Lofgren:
Muddy Fork below Steven's Creek Confluence - I would guess that 10's of acres of maple glades and alder bottoms were washed away on the muddy fork from Steven's Creek confluence downstream about 1.5 miles.
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
|
|
64 |
2006-10-07 |
Earthquake |
Cowlitz Chimneys |
October 2006 Cowlitz Chimneys Earthquake |
EVENT DETAILS - OCTOBER 2006 COWLITZ CHIMNEYS EARTHQUAKE
Database ID#: 103
Date: Saturday, October 7, 2006
Location: Cowlitz Chimneys
Glacier Name: None
Drainage Basin:
Event Type: Earthquake
Weather:
Season: N/A
Notes:
J. Acker:
Saturday night two other birders met up with me to owl at Sunrise. When I arrived at the top of Sunrise at 6:30 the cloud layer had just moved in, but it dissipated shortly after sunset. The moon was near full, and the stars were gorgeous. It was 42 degrees, and clear. I started owling shortly after sunset, and had no responses for the first hour, which struck me as being weird. There should have been saw-whets responding.
And then it hit. The noise was like a sonic boom, only it went on for four or five seconds. Somewhat like rolling thunder, only it was at the same pitch and intensity. And then for the next several seconds, it was utterly quiet, followed by the avalanche of rocks and ice off the northeast side of Mt. Rainier. By the moonlight, the avalanche scar could easily be seen. The avalanche went on for what seemed like a minute, with the sounds of breaking ice and rock.
From Seth Moran:
I put out two seismic stations today (CMG-6TD sensors) at locations ~5 km east and ~3.5 km north of last night's epicenter. The first is 0.3 miles south of Cayuse Pass at 46 51' 50.7", 121 31' 57.4" (WGS84 coordinates), the site was functioning well when I left it at 11 am. The second is about 100' up (and ~25' into the woods from) the Owyhigh trail from the trailhead parking lot at 46 53' 25.0", 121 35' 37.5". I had a lot of trouble getting good GPS at the Owyhigh site, as the site's in a steep-sided valley and in a small clearing surrounded by tall trees. After an hour the seismometer's GPS clock had yet to sync up, staying ~45 seconds or so behind true time (as gauged by my watch). It was mid-afternoon when I left, which is at a lull in GPS coverage. So, hopefully the clock will sync up in the next day and we'll get good data out of it from then on. Heard two booms while I was out, the second at around 2:16-ish. I didn't feel the ground move, but there was a larger-than-average aftershock at about that time. Stranger things have happened. Everyone I spoke with who was at the Park last night felt it & heard the eq very strongly, and apparently the Park maintenance crews were out last night sweeping rocks off the Stevens' Canyon and 123/410 roads.
The seismometers will be collected in a week or so unless the swarm energizes. The White River entrance closes Tuesday;
http://www.morageology.com/earthquake_range.php?t0=1160247600&t1=1160598600&dt_length=50
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
J. Acker [mailto:owler@sounddsl.com]
Seth Moran
|
|
65 |
2005-09-29 |
Debris Flow |
Van Trump Glacier |
2005 Van Trump Creek Debris Flow |
EVENT DETAILS - 2005 VAN TRUMP CREEK DEBRIS FLOW
Database ID#: 17
Date: Thursday, September 29, 2005
Location: Van Trump Glacier
Glacier Name: Van Trump Glaciers
Drainage Basin: Van Trump Creek
Event Type: Debris Flow
Weather:
15.3 cm rain in 48 hrs, minimal snow cover
Season: Wet
Notes:
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
Copeland (2010)
|
|
66 |
2005-09-29 |
Debris Flow |
Pyramid Glacier |
2005 Pyramid Glacier Debris Flow |
EVENT DETAILS - 2005 PYRAMID GLACIER DEBRIS FLOW
Database ID#: 18
Date: Thursday, September 29, 2005
Location: Pyramid Glacier
Glacier Name: Pyramid Glaciers
Drainage Basin: Pearl Creek
Event Type: Debris Flow
Weather:
15.3 cm in 48 hrs, minimal snow cover
Season: Wet
Notes:
P. Kennard observations:
Flood event, most likely a debris flow, in Pyramid Creek in vicinity of Pyramid Creek Camp, reported just after 9/29/06, and most likely occurring on that day. Creek, in vicinty of camp, overtopped banks and impacted sites 1 and 2. Significant erosion of the creek occurred. Debris flows in Tahoma Creek, Kautz Creek, and Van Trump Creek occurred the same day, with 5" of rain in 24 hours.
Also:
Pyramid Creek Pearl Falls debris flow
observations
The event was most likely a debris flow, and occurred on Sept. 29, 2005;
The initiation mechanism (glacier outburst flood, landslide, or rockslide), and the initiation tributary is not known;
Due to channel erosion, the stream channel capacity of Pyramid Creek is larger than before the event;
Because of the above, the flood hazard to Pyramid Creek Camp is almost nonexistent (out of 100 year floodplain);
note: this only applies to flood hazard, as opposed to debris flow hazard;
Due to channel incision, the same size debris flow as last years would not affect Pyramid Creek Camp;
note: this in no way means Pyramid Creek Camp is immune from even small debris flows;
Because debris flows typically occur in clusters in time (e.g. Van Trump Creek, recently), Pyramid Creek is at elevated hazard for debris flows in the next few years.
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
Copeland (2010)
P. Kennard
|
|
67 |
2005-09-29 |
Debris Flow |
South Tahoma Glacier |
2005 Tahoma Creek Debris Flow |
EVENT DETAILS - 2005 TAHOMA CREEK DEBRIS FLOW
Database ID#: 19
Date: Thursday, September 29, 2005
Location: South Tahoma Glacier
Glacier Name: South Tahoma Glacier
Drainage Basin: Tahoma Creek
Event Type: Debris Flow
Weather:
15.3 cm in 48 hrs, minimal snow cover
Season: Wet
Notes:
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
Copeland (2010)
Legg (2015)
|
|
68 |
2005-09-29 |
Debris Flow |
Kautz Glacier |
2005 Kautz Creek Debris Flow |
EVENT DETAILS - 2005 KAUTZ CREEK DEBRIS FLOW
Database ID#: 20
Date: Thursday, September 29, 2005
Location: Kautz Glacier
Glacier Name: Pyramid Glaciers
Drainage Basin: Kautz Creek
Event Type: Debris Flow
Weather:
15.3 cm in 48 hrs, minimal snow cover
Season: Wet
Notes:
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
Copeland (2010)
|
|
69 |
2005-09-29 |
Flood |
Mount Rainier National Park |
September 29 2005 Flood |
EVENT DETAILS - SEPTEMBER 29 2005 FLOOD
Database ID#: 104
Date: Thursday, September 29, 2005
Location: Mount Rainier National Park
Glacier Name: None
Drainage Basin:
Event Type: Flood
Weather:
Season: N/A
Notes:
This is a catch all for other flood reports from 9/29/2005:
Lizza Demetz:
River at Indian Bar is reported to be running "high and darker than they had ever seen it."
From B.Samora:
Longmire debris flow. Lots of large logs (old growth size) with intact root wads moving about 5mph down the Nisqually River at Longmire. One rootwad was almost touching the wires attached to the bridge. Lots of erosion near where the maintenance equipment is stored
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
L. Demetz
B. Samora
|
|
70 |
2005-09-29 |
Outburst Flood |
Carbon Glacier |
Probable September 2009 Carbon Glacier Debris Flow |
EVENT DETAILS - PROBABLE SEPTEMBER 2009 CARBON GLACIER DEBRIS FLOW
Database ID#: 105
Date: Thursday, September 29, 2005
Location: Carbon Glacier
Glacier Name: Carbon Glacier
Drainage Basin: Carbon River
Event Type: Outburst Flood
Weather:
Rain, 5" in 24hr at Paradise, only 1.5" at Carbon entrance prior to flood
Season: Wet
Notes:
Probable rain-triggered jökulhlaup from the Carbon Glacier. Much ice lost from the lower portions of the glacier, extremely rapid river rise, deep flood channels, etc.
Found glacial ice in riverbed 2.5km downstream of what's left of the glacier snout. Much riverbed erosion but also areas of deposition near the suspension bridge and elsewhere downstream. West margin of glacier below Goat Island Rk is no longer against valley wall, numerous areas in the body of glacier appear to have sunken (some could just be the debris cover washing off), and the snout of the glacier is drastically rearranged, with an isolated block of ice 1.5m above the river and enlarged tunnels where the river exits the ice. Checked Dick Creek channel, and it didn't do anything drastic.
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
F. Parlini, T. Osburn
|
|
71 |
2004-12-11 |
Flood |
Carbon Glacier |
December 2004 Carbon River Flood |
EVENT DETAILS - DECEMBER 2004 CARBON RIVER FLOOD
Database ID#: 106
Date: Saturday, December 11, 2004
Location: Carbon Glacier
Glacier Name: Carbon Glacier
Drainage Basin: Carbon River
Event Type: Flood
Weather:
Heavy Rain
Season: Wet
Notes:
After heavy rains, Carbon River was running muddy tan, but all side streams were clear. Water exiting snout of glacier was thick, tan colored. Dick and Moraine Creek flow under glacier, but they were also clear. Found water coming out the side of the glacier, halfway up the right flank, and running down to merge with Moraine Creek and go under glacier again. This water looked like butterscotch-colored thick cocoa and was gushing out a hole ~ 1m wide
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
F. Parlini
|
|
72 |
2004-11-07 |
Earthquake |
Columbia Crest |
November 7 2004 M3.2 Earthquake |
EVENT DETAILS - NOVEMBER 7 2004 M3.2 EARTHQUAKE
Database ID#: 107
Date: Sunday, November 7, 2004
Location: Columbia Crest
Glacier Name: None
Drainage Basin:
Event Type: Earthquake
Weather:
Season: N/A
Notes:
From B. Samora:
M 3.2 earthquake beneath Rainier
• A M 3.2 earthquake occurred at 11:23am PST near the summit of Mount Rainier. It was located at 1.6 km depth, which translates to roughly 0.5 km above sea level, ~0.6 km south of Rainier’s summit.
• It was preceded by 6 located events, the largest and earliest a M 1.5 occurring at 10:03 am PST. It was followed by 9 events over the next 49 minutes, with the last occurring at 12:14 pm PST. All events with “good” locations were also shallow, and also located in the southern cluster (although dispersed a bit).
• Similar sequences have been seen in the past. A M 3.1 occurred on 11/11/1976, a M 3.0 occurred 07/28/1990, and a M 3.2 occurred 02/19/2002. All were shallow.
• Broadly speaking, most Rainier earthquakes locate in one of two seismicity clusters, one under the summit, the other south of the summit. Earthquakes in the 11/07 sequence all occurred south of the summit.
• The M 3.2 was a normal-faulting event, consistent with the dominant type of earthquake faulting seen at Rainier.
• This did not occur along the Western Rainier Seismic Zone (WRSZ), a north-south-trending zone of seismicity that lies ~12 km west of Rainier. The WRSZ has been the source of several larger earthquakes, including M 4.1 events on 07/29/1988 and 05/20/1995 and a M 3.9 on 06/25/2004.
• The WRSZ likely reflects a seismogenic series of en echelon faults oriented at oblique angles to the north-south seismicity trend, and is not thought to be directly related to volcanic processes occurring beneath Mount Rainier
• There is no reason to believe that there is a direct connection between Rainier and St. Helens plumbing systems (magma rises upwards).
• There are 6 seismometers within 20 km of the summit, including 2 that are ~3 km. One of these is a broadband seismometer (at Longmire, colocated with a short-period and strong-motion instrument).
• Even small volcanic events at Mount Rainier can be quite hazardous, given its size and proximity to populated areas.
http://www.morageology.com/earthquake_range.php?t0=1099785600&t1=1099871999&dt_length=50
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
B. Samora
|
|
73 |
2004-05-31 |
Flood |
|
May 2004 Tahoma Creek Hydrologic Event |
EVENT DETAILS - MAY 2004 TAHOMA CREEK HYDROLOGIC EVENT
Database ID#: 108
Date: Monday, May 31, 2004
Location:
Glacier Name: South Tahoma Glacier
Drainage Basin: Tahoma Creek
Event Type: Flood
Weather:
heavy precipitation caused event
Season: N/A
Notes:
Recent (week of May 26) heavy precipitation resulted in Tahoma Creek moving across the West Side Road. No sign of a debris flow, just heavy precip related flow.
P.Kennard:
I saw no evidence of an event (glacier outburst flood, debris flow) in the stream between the crossing and the once main channel of Tahoma. At least half the flow of Tahoma "fell" off its bed, which has been raised quite a bit by deposition from recent debris flows. The new tributary (which for this email I call Texhoma Creek) carved several new channels though old growth and other more recently vegetated disturbed areas. The drop from the old Tahoma main stem and Texhoma is at least 50 feet at the head of Texhoma and the remainder of Texhoma is well below Tahoma in elevation.
The recent deposition at the crossing was from sediment likely generated as the Texhoma Creek was created and enlarged. In the short term, the downstream dam at the pool at Texas Crossing can be breached, but it is very likely sediment will redeposit after the next significant rain. Additionally, it is quite possible all of Tahoma Creek will flow in Texhoma Creek in the future.
Possible future problems are the road from Texas Crossing to Fish Creek and the Fish Creek culvert (especially if flow from Tahoma is increased). The gabions/riprap along the road from the crossing to Fish Creek is breached in one area, and will be on the wrong side of Tahoma Creek, if Tahoma entirely shifts to Texhoma.
If you visit in the field, please note it is easy to cross Texhoma just below the pool, and the split of Texhoma and Tahoma is easily accessed from the lower Tahoma Creek trail.
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
|
|
74 |
2003-10-20 |
Debris Flow |
Van Trump Glacier |
October 20 2003 Van Trump Creek Debris Flow |
EVENT DETAILS - OCTOBER 20 2003 VAN TRUMP CREEK DEBRIS FLOW
Database ID#: 16
Date: Monday, October 20, 2003
Location: Van Trump Glacier
Glacier Name: Van Trump Glaciers
Drainage Basin: Van Trump Creek
Event Type: Debris Flow
Weather:
20.0 cm rain fall.
10-21-2003
Northwest Weather and Avalanche Center
Paradise, Mt Rainier National Park, Washington
MM/DD Hour Temp Wind Wind Wind Wind Hour Total 24 Hr Total
PST F Min Avg Max Dir Prec. Prec. Snow Snow
5500' 5500' 5500' 5500' 5500' 5500' 5500' 5500' 5500'
------------------------------------------------------------------
10 20 1400 54 4 14 31 274 .04 .04 -0 302
10 20 1500 53 4 13 28 277 0 .04 -0 302
10 20 1600 53 4 12 25 281 .03 .07 -0 302
10 20 1700 54 3 12 26 283 .2 .27 -0 302
10 20 1800 54 3 10 28 278 .15 .42 -0 302
10 20 1900 55 3 11 24 281 .08 .5 -0 302
10 20 2000 54 3 11 23 285 .13 .63 -0 302
10 20 2100 55 3 10 24 282 .29 .92 -0 302
10 20 2200 55 3 9 19 282 .24 1.16 -0 302
10 20 2300 55 3 9 16 281 .14 1.3 -0 302
10 21 0 54 3 9 25 280 .19 1.49 -0 302
10 21 100 54 2 8 20 280 .21 1.7 -0 302
10 21 200 54 2 8 16 279 .05 1.75 -0 302
10 21 300 54 3 9 18 286 .09 1.84 -0 302
10 21 400 54 3 10 18 286 .02 1.86 -0 302
10 21 500 54 2 10 25 285 .03 1.89 -0 302
10 21 600 54 3 9 18 282 0 1.89 -0 302
10 21 700 55 2 7 13 278 .03 1.92 -0 302
10 21 800 55 2 6 11 278 0 1.92 -0 302
10 21 900 55 2 6 11 278 0 1.92 -0 302
10 21 1000 58 1 5 11 272 0 1.92 -0 302
10 21 1100 57 1 5 10 272 0 1.92 -0 302
10 21 1200 57 2 4 7 264 0 1.92 -0 302
10 21 1300 59 0 1 5 254 0 1.92 0 302
1.92
Season: Wet
Notes:
Also noted: Rain on Snow event -1.92 inches from 10/20 1400 hrs. to 10/21 1400 hrs. water levels were higher than normal even with the creek being spread all across the floodplain. Kautz and Nisqually also running turbid
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
Copeland (2010)
Donovan (2005)
|
|
75 |
2003-10-20 |
Debris Flow |
Kautz Glacier |
October 20 2003 Kautz Creek Debris Flow |
EVENT DETAILS - OCTOBER 20 2003 KAUTZ CREEK DEBRIS FLOW
Database ID#: 109
Date: Monday, October 20, 2003
Location: Kautz Glacier
Glacier Name: Kautz Glacier
Drainage Basin: Kautz Creek
Event Type: Debris Flow
Weather:
Season: N/A
Notes:
high water levels, fast running water, removed rocks, debris, many trees;
slope collapse on Community Building side of road; many trees, boulders, silt moving rapidly down river. Water levels high and appear to threaten road in front of EOC.
Oshcosh and trailers finally moved away from eroding bank!
Sunshine Pt Campground - lost part of road in front of levee; closed campground
Longmire Weather Data (NOAA site)
tmp rh wind barom river wtr pool precip 1-hr 3-hr 6-hr 24-hr
date/time F % mph in level tmp elev countr pcpn pcpn pcpn pcpn
-------------- --- --- ----- ----- ----- --- ------- ------ ----- ----- ----- -----
21 10:30am PDT 9.30 0.10 1.20
21 4:30am PDT 9.20 0.40 1.40
20 10:30pm PDT 8.80 0.60 1.30
20 4:30pm PDT 8.20 0.10 0.70
20 10:30am PDT 8.10 0.30 0.60
20 4:30am PDT 7.80 0.30
19 10:30pm PDT 7.50 0.10
19 4:30pm PDT 7.50 0.10
19 10:30am PDT 7.50 0.10
18 10:30pm PDT 7.40
18 4:30pm PDT 7.40
18 10:30am PDT 7.40
18 4:30am PDT 7.40
17 10:30pm PDT 7.40 0.30
17 4:30pm PDT 7.40 0.40
17 10:30am PDT 7.40 0.40
17 4:30am PDT 7.40 0.30 0.80
16 10:30pm PDT 7.10 0.10 0.80
16 4:30pm PDT 7.00 0.80
16 10:30am PDT 7.00 0.40 1.10
16 4:30am PDT 6.60 0.30 0.70
15 10:30pm PDT 6.30 0.10 0.40
15 4:30pm PDT 6.20 0.30 0.30
15 10:30am PDT 5.90
15 4:30am PDT 5.90 0.10
14 10:30pm PDT 5.90
14 4:30pm PDT 5.90
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
B. Samora
|
|
76 |
2003-10-20 |
Debris Flow |
South Tahoma Glacier |
October 20 2003 Tahoma Creek Debris Flow |
EVENT DETAILS - OCTOBER 20 2003 TAHOMA CREEK DEBRIS FLOW
Database ID#: 110
Date: Monday, October 20, 2003
Location: South Tahoma Glacier
Glacier Name: South Tahoma Glacier
Drainage Basin: Tahoma Creek
Event Type: Debris Flow
Weather:
rain on snow event; 2.05 " precip at Longmire
Season: Wet
Notes:
deposition and new cuts both up and down stream of bridge. Bridge footings eroding. Check road crews assessment of bridge. High water levels, fast, turbid (brown) flowing waters at 7:30 am. on 10/21/03. Lower water levels at 1:30 pm on 10/21/03.
See Longmire weather data
running turbid, water spread all across the floodplain and running high; heavy rains all night
Paul Kennard informed. Other debris flows likely occurred. Tahoma Creek was spread across its floodplain at 7:30 am. Nisqually and Kautz were running very turbid as well.
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
B. Samora
|
|
77 |
2003-10-07 |
Debris Flow |
Dry Creek |
October 2003 Dry Creek Debris Flow |
EVENT DETAILS - OCTOBER 2003 DRY CREEK DEBRIS FLOW
Database ID#: 129
Date: Tuesday, October 7, 2003
Location: Dry Creek
Glacier Name: None
Drainage Basin:
Event Type: Debris Flow
Weather:
Season: N/A
Notes:
Pictures in Paul's drive show a debris flow down Dry Creek. No other information.
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
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|
78 |
2003-09-12 |
Slope Failure |
South Tahoma Glacier |
2003 South Tahoma Glacier Slope Failure |
EVENT DETAILS - 2003 SOUTH TAHOMA GLACIER SLOPE FAILURE
Database ID#: 15
Date: Friday, September 12, 2003
Location: South Tahoma Glacier
Glacier Name: South Tahoma Glacier
Drainage Basin: Tahoma Creek
Event Type: Slope Failure
Weather:
Season: Dry
Notes:
Possibly occurred between 02:40 and 03:40 UTC from Emerald Ridge seismograph.
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
Copeland (2010)
|
|
79 |
2001-08-14 |
Debris Flow |
Kautz Glacier |
2001 Kautz Creek Debris Flow |
EVENT DETAILS - 2001 KAUTZ CREEK DEBRIS FLOW
Database ID#: 14
Date: Tuesday, August 14, 2001
Location: Kautz Glacier
Glacier Name: Kautz Glacier
Drainage Basin: Kautz Creek
Event Type: Debris Flow
Weather:
Season: Dry
Notes:
Meltwater from Kautz Glacier flowed into the upper reaches of Van Trump Creek, which initiated a debris flow
Bonnie and Ed Schein, NPS Volunteers in the Park:
We were not on the mountain on Sunday. On Monday morning we went by Christine Falls with a trail work crew (Carla driving) and noticed the surprising brown color morning and afternoon. We mentioned it to rangers at information desk (administrative building) Monday evening. Tuesday we went by and the mud color was very strong. Looked under bridge Tuesday afternoon and thought the flow looked very dark, large, and vigorous.
Tuesday night 10:30 pm awakened by boulders trumbling in Nisqually River by our Longmire campground. Too dark to see, but noise frightening.
There's also good info on this at PNSN Exotic events page:
https://assets.pnsn.org/volcanoes/rainier/RainDebris/
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
Copeland (2010)
|
|
80 |
2001-02-28 |
Earthquake |
Other |
2001 Nisqually Earthquake |
EVENT DETAILS - 2001 NISQUALLY EARTHQUAKE
Database ID#: 84
Date: Wednesday, February 28, 2001
Location: Other
Glacier Name: None
Drainage Basin:
Event Type: Earthquake
Weather:
Season: N/A
Notes:
The 2001 Nisqually earthquake occurred at 10:54:32 local time on February 28, 2001. The intraslab earthquake had a moment magnitude of 6.8, depth of 57 km (35 mi) and a maximum Mercalli intensity of VIII (Severe). The epicenter was in the southern Puget Sound, northeast of Olympia (47.19, -122.66). More info: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2001_Nisqually_earthquake
This was an event outside of Mount Rainier National Park, but the following information is about the damage or response that occurred within Mount Rainier.
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
|
|
81 |
1999-11-25 |
Flood |
Mount Rainier National Park |
November 1999 flooding |
EVENT DETAILS - NOVEMBER 1999 FLOODING
Database ID#: 128
Date: Thursday, November 25, 1999
Location: Mount Rainier National Park
Glacier Name: None
Drainage Basin:
Event Type: Flood
Weather:
Season: Wet
Notes:
Peak flows:
Carbon - 8750 cfs (3.59 yr RI)
Nisqually - 6470 cfs (4.00 yr RI)
From Carbon River Road CLI:
"The road closed for a brief period of time due to flood damage."
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
|
|
82 |
1998-12-29 |
Flood |
Mount Rainier National Park |
December 1998 Flooding |
EVENT DETAILS - DECEMBER 1998 FLOODING
Database ID#: 126
Date: Tuesday, December 29, 1998
Location: Mount Rainier National Park
Glacier Name: None
Drainage Basin:
Event Type: Flood
Weather:
Season: Wet
Notes:
Two Peak flows at both Carbon and Nisqually between 12/28 and 12/29.
12/28:
Carbon River - 5070 cfs (2.42 yr RI)
Nisqually River - 3640 cfs (1.05 yr RI)
12/29:
Carbon River - 6900 cfs (4.67 yr RI)
Nisqually River - 6350 cfs (2.01 yr RI)
From Carbon River EA:
"Two December 29 floods (5,000 and 6,000 cfs) washed out 1,200 feet of the Falls Creek repair to a depth of 23 feet. Repaired March 1999. Reopened April 1999 (Seattle Times, April 13,1999 in NPS 2006a:61)."
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
Carbon River EA
NPS 2006a:61 in Carbon River EA
|
|
83 |
1996-08-09 |
Debris Flow |
Winthrop Glacier |
August 1996 Winthrop Glacier Debris Flow |
EVENT DETAILS - AUGUST 1996 WINTHROP GLACIER DEBRIS FLOW
Database ID#: 116
Date: Friday, August 9, 1996
Location: Winthrop Glacier
Glacier Name: Winthrop Glacier
Drainage Basin: West Fork White River
Event Type: Debris Flow
Weather:
Season: Dry
Notes:
Debris flow, estimated 300 m3/s. No damage to facilities, debris deposits within older debris flow levees.
Estimated Velocity: 300 m3/s
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
Riedel (1997) (Appendix B Page 4)
|
|
84 |
1996-02-08 |
Flood |
Mount Rainier National Park |
February 1996 Flooding |
EVENT DETAILS - FEBRUARY 1996 FLOODING
Database ID#: 125
Date: Thursday, February 8, 1996
Location: Mount Rainier National Park
Glacier Name: None
Drainage Basin:
Event Type: Flood
Weather:
Season: Wet
Notes:
Second largest flood recorded at Nisqually River
Peak Flows:
Nisqually River - 21,200 cfs (71.90 yr RI)
Carbon River - 12,000 cfs (28.99 yr RI)
From Carbon River EA:
"Spring (February) flood (10,600 - 14,100 cfs) damage to 1,350 feet of Falls Creek area with a six to ten foot deep channel cut in roadway. Falls Creek Picnica Area dike destroyed. Repair completed September-November 1998"
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
Carbon River EA
|
|
85 |
1995-11-28 |
Flood |
Mount Rainier National Park |
November 1995 Floods |
EVENT DETAILS - NOVEMBER 1995 FLOODS
Database ID#: 124
Date: Tuesday, November 28, 1995
Location: Mount Rainier National Park
Glacier Name: None
Drainage Basin:
Event Type: Flood
Weather:
Season: Wet
Notes:
From Carbon River EA:
"Flood washed out two portions of the Carbon River Road. Fairfax gauge shows flood in November 1955 preceding large event of February 1996."
Peak Flows:
Carbon River - 10100 cfs (14.68 yr RI)
Nisqually River - 16000 cfs (20.56 yr RI)
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
Carbon River EA
|
|
86 |
1993-07-31 |
Other Hydrologic Event |
South Tahoma Glacier |
1993 Tahoma Creek Flood or Debris Flow |
EVENT DETAILS - 1993 TAHOMA CREEK FLOOD OR DEBRIS FLOW
Database ID#: 140
Date: Saturday, July 31, 1993
Location: South Tahoma Glacier
Glacier Name: None
Drainage Basin: Tahoma Creek
Event Type: Other Hydrologic Event
Weather:
Unknown
Season: N/A
Notes:
Found this on Youtube (https://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1prqzE-WoI)... description: "3 miles west of Longmire, Washington, is the Tahoma Creek which is fed by the Tahoma Glacier, on the SW side of Mt. Rainier. On July 31,1993 I made this short analog video of an area which was recently washed out, either by a flashflood or a small lahar. The flooding closed the road up ahead.Since it was July a flashflood seems more likely (rapid glacier melt)."
No other reference cites this date?
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
|
|
87 |
1992-09-20 |
Debris Flow |
South Tahoma Glacier |
September 20 1992 Tahoma Creek Debris Flow |
EVENT DETAILS - SEPTEMBER 20 1992 TAHOMA CREEK DEBRIS FLOW
Database ID#: 71
Date: Sunday, September 20, 1992
Location: South Tahoma Glacier
Glacier Name: South Tahoma Glacier
Drainage Basin: Tahoma Creek
Event Type: Debris Flow
Weather:
Cool and Rainy
Season: Wet
Notes:
Walder and Driedger (1994) were not notified about this flow until September 25, and did not inspect the deposits until a week thereafter. This flow seemed about as large as the flow of September 8, 1992. It had again overtopped a levee alongside the Westside Road slightly upstream of the Fish Creek confluence at river km 5.0. They did not find any places where they could make reliable estimates of peak velocity or discharge. Looking upstream from the suspension bridge, Walder and Driedger saw that the waterfall just upstream of the confluence with the Tahoma Glacier tributary, at river km 10.6, had retreated upstream. At the former waterfall site, the stream was incised in a notch in bedrock about 15 m wide and equally deep. There had been substantial bank failure along the southeast side of Tahoma Creek between the suspension bridge and the confluence with the Tahoma Glacier tributary. Because they had not visited the bridge following the September 8, 1992 flow, they are uncertain exactly when the changes upstream of the bridge occurred, although they must have occurred in association with at least one of the two September flows. NOTE: Copeland (2010) mentions three debris flows in 1992, but Walder and Driedger (1994) only mention two.
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
Walder and Driedger (1994) (Page 83)
Legg (2015)
|
|
88 |
1992-09-08 |
Debris Flow |
South Tahoma Glacier |
September 8 1992 Tahoma Creek Debris Flow |
EVENT DETAILS - SEPTEMBER 8 1992 TAHOMA CREEK DEBRIS FLOW
Database ID#: 70
Date: Tuesday, September 8, 1992
Location: South Tahoma Glacier
Glacier Name: South Tahoma Glacier
Drainage Basin: Tahoma Creek
Event Type: Debris Flow
Weather:
Cool and Rainy
Season: Wet
Notes:
The flow was heard but not seen by NPS personnel. Field inspection showed bouldery deposits on the Westside Road at the Fish Creek confluence; those deposits appeared to have been subsequently eroded by a watery flow. The debris flow had overtopped a levee alongside the road constructed by NPS personnel after the debris flow of November 5, 1991. Near the former picnic area, at river km 7.5, there was clear evidence that the flow (or pulses thereof) had moved through at least two different channels. Walder and Driedger (1994) estimated peak discharge in one of those channels at about 300 m3/s. Farther upstream, new deposits comprised 3 or 4 layers, each layer consisting of sandy material overlaying bouldery material, perhaps indicative of pulses within the debris flow (Figure 48 in Walder and Driedger (1994)). NOTE: Copeland (2010) mentions three debris flows in 1992, but Walder and Driedger (1994) only mention two.
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow: 300 m3/s (10,594 ft3/s)
Estimated Volume:
References:
Walder and Driedger (1994) (Page 82)
Legg (2015)
|
|
89 |
1991-11-05 |
Debris Flow |
South Tahoma Glacier |
1991 Tahoma Creek Debris Flow |
EVENT DETAILS - 1991 TAHOMA CREEK DEBRIS FLOW
Database ID#: 69
Date: Tuesday, November 5, 1991
Location: South Tahoma Glacier
Glacier Name: South Tahoma Glacier
Drainage Basin: Tahoma Creek
Event Type: Debris Flow
Weather:
Cool and Very Rainy
Season: Wet
Notes:
This flow was detected by an NPS road crew working on the Westside Road. The Emerald Ridge seismograph, which was hard to interpret owing to wind-generated noise, suggested the flow lasted about an hour. Field inspection showed a deep gully cut into the Westside Road slightly above the Fish Creek confluence (river km 5.0). This was also the downstream end of boulderly deposits left by this flow. Walder and Driedger (1994) found one location, at about river km 9.0, where they could infer peak discharge from superelevation on trees. They estimated peak velocity at 6 m/s, the peak flow at approximately 600 m3/s, and the total volume of coarse deposits as about 10^5 m3.
Estimated Velocity: 6 m/s (20 ft/s)
Estimated Peak Flow: 500 m3/s (17,657 ft3/s)
Estimated Volume: 100,000 m3 (3,531,467 ft3)
References:
Walder and Driedger (1994) (Page 83)
Legg (2015)
|
|
90 |
1990-11-25 |
Flood |
Mount Rainier National Park |
November 1990 Flooding |
EVENT DETAILS - NOVEMBER 1990 FLOODING
Database ID#: 94
Date: Sunday, November 25, 1990
Location: Mount Rainier National Park
Glacier Name: None
Drainage Basin:
Event Type: Flood
Weather:
Season: Wet
Notes:
From Samora (1991):
November, 1990 extensive damage from heavy rains that caused severe damage throughout most of western Washington. November 21-25, 14.38" rain at Paradise (the highest mean 24 hr. value was 5.72" on 11/24; the 40 yr. mean for Paradise for the entire month of November is 14.54").
Damaged facilities included Longmire dike, Kautz Creek Bridge, Tahoma Creek Bridge, West Side Road, washouts and rockslides on Stevens Canyon Road, general road shoulder/ditch washouts and pavement damage parkwide. Also Ohanapecosh campground access road, Cheunuis Falls parking area, numerous footlog bridges on trails throughout the park.
Peak Flows:
Carbon River - 13,000 cfs (41.48 yr RI)
Nisqually River - 11000 cfs (6.17 yr RI)
From Carbon River EA:
"In November 1990, fourteen inches of rain fell in five days. According to Catton (1996:569), resultant flooding damaged the dike at Longmire, undermined bridge abutments at Kautz Creek, damaged the riprap protection above and below the Tahoma Creek bridge, washed out sections of the West Side Road at and above Fish Creek, damaged the Stevens Canyon Road below Bench Lake, and wiped out a turnout on the Carbon River Road at Chenuis Falls. A turnout at Chenuis Falls was destroyed by Flood Waters (NPS 2006a:18,60). Chenuis was rebuilt by the park as an expanded turnout retained by riprap to accommodate a picnic area."
From Catton 1996:569:
"The worst damage to roads and bridges in recent years occurred in November 1990, when fourteen inches of rain fell in five days. The flooding damaged the dike at Longmire, undermined the bridge abutments at Kautz Creek, damaged the riprap protection above and below the Tahoma Creek Bridge, washed out sections of the Westside Road at and above Fish Creek, damaged the Stevens Canyon Road below Bench Lake, and wiped out a turnout on the Carbon River Road at Chenuis Falls. The estimated cost of repairs was $2,177,450; the park received a mere $487,814 (Ref: Superintendent's Annual Reports, 1990-1991, Administrative Files, File H2623). Consequently the Westside Road was closed at Fish Creek."
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
Samora (1991)
Carbon River EA
NPS 2006a:18,60 in Carbon River EA
Catton 1996
Superintendent Annual Report 1990-1991
|
|
91 |
1990-10-03 |
Debris Flow |
South Tahoma Glacier |
October 1990 Tahoma Creek Debris Flow |
EVENT DETAILS - OCTOBER 1990 TAHOMA CREEK DEBRIS FLOW
Database ID#: 68
Date: Wednesday, October 3, 1990
Location: South Tahoma Glacier
Glacier Name: South Tahoma Glacier
Drainage Basin: Tahoma Creek
Event Type: Debris Flow
Weather:
Cool with heavy rainfall
Season: Wet
Notes:
The Emerald Ridge seismograph showed ten debris flow pulses, each with a duration of 10 to 32 minutes over an 8.5 hour period. General impressions of the deposit by Walder and Driedger (1994) was that there had been numerous flows, with the stream channel repeatedly blocked by debris flow deposits, followed by avulsion. They found no distinct levees. Several steep snouts of deposits, presumably reflecting places where the flows had stopped, contained abundant logs. Walder and Driedger estimated the total volume of boulderly material deposited as approximately 1 to 2 x 10^5 m3. They made three estimates of peak discharge: 70 m3/s at river km 7.6, 130 m3/s at river km 8.5 and 500 m3/s at river km 8.6. For the first and last of these estimates, they estimated velocity from superelevation on trees; for the second estimate, they assumed the same velocity as the first site. These estimates probably referred to discrete debris flow pulses.
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow: 70-500 m3/s (2,472-17,657 ft3/s)
Estimated Volume: 100,000-200,000 m3 (3,531,467-7,062,933 ft3)
References:
Walder and Driedger (1994) (Page 82)
Legg (2015)
|
|
92 |
1990-08-04 |
Debris Flow |
South Tahoma Glacier |
August 1990 Tahoma Creek Debris Flow |
EVENT DETAILS - AUGUST 1990 TAHOMA CREEK DEBRIS FLOW
Database ID#: 67
Date: Saturday, August 4, 1990
Location: South Tahoma Glacier
Glacier Name: South Tahoma Glacier
Drainage Basin: Tahoma Creek
Event Type: Debris Flow
Weather:
Hot and Dry
Season: Dry
Notes:
This flow was first detected by S. Malone at the University of Washington, who happened to identify its seismic trace on the Emerald Ridge seismograph as the flow was in progress. Field inspection showed no new bouldery deposits as far downstream as the former picnic area (river km 7.5), although Walder and Driedger (1994) did find mud marks on trees. At about river km 7.7, Walder and Driedger used superelevation on boulders within older deposits to estimate peak velocity of 2.7 m/s and peak discharge of 150 m3/s. At about river km 8.0, new debris flow lobes had engulfed trees and left distinct superelevation marks. Flow velocity estimated at 3 m/s and peak discharge of 180 m3/s at this point.
Estimated Velocity: 2.7-3 m/s (8.9-9.8 ft/s)
Estimated Peak Flow: 150-180 m3/s (5,297-6,357 ft3/s)
Estimated Volume:
References:
Walder and Driedger (1994) (Page 82)
|
|
93 |
1989-11-09 |
Debris Flow |
South Tahoma Glacier |
November 1989 Tahoma Creek Debris Flow |
EVENT DETAILS - NOVEMBER 1989 TAHOMA CREEK DEBRIS FLOW
Database ID#: 66
Date: Thursday, November 9, 1989
Location: South Tahoma Glacier
Glacier Name: South Tahoma Glacier
Drainage Basin: Tahoma Creek
Event Type: Debris Flow
Weather:
Cool and very rainy.
Season: Wet
Notes:
The Longmire seismograph recorded debris flow activity between 05:00 and 06:02. Field inspection showed extensive deposition and morphological change in the stream bed between river km 6.0 and 9.0. On the basis of superelevation on boulders, Walder and Driedger (1994) estimated peak discharge of 60 m3/s in one well-defined channel at river km 7.0
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow: 60 m3/s (2,119 ft3/s)
Estimated Volume:
References:
Walder and Driedger (1994) (Page 82)
Legg (2015)
|
|
94 |
1989-10-11 |
Flood |
Mount Rainier National Park |
October 11 1989 Flood |
EVENT DETAILS - OCTOBER 11 1989 FLOOD
Database ID#: 93
Date: Wednesday, October 11, 1989
Location: Mount Rainier National Park
Glacier Name: None
Drainage Basin:
Event Type: Flood
Weather:
Season: Wet
Notes:
From Samora (1991):
1989: General: Oct. 10 and 11, 1989 - high water from severe winter storms caused damage to Carbon River and West Side Roads, Tahoma Creek bridge, Sunshine Point Campground and Carbon Glacier Trail.
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
Samora (1991)
|
|
95 |
1989-09-23 |
Debris Flow |
South Tahoma Glacier |
September 1989 Tahoma Creek Debris Flow |
EVENT DETAILS - SEPTEMBER 1989 TAHOMA CREEK DEBRIS FLOW
Database ID#: 65
Date: Saturday, September 23, 1989
Location: South Tahoma Glacier
Glacier Name: South Tahoma Glacier
Drainage Basin: Tahoma Creek
Event Type: Debris Flow
Weather:
Hot and Dry
Season: Dry
Notes:
Park Ranger R. Kirschner observed this flow in a confined reach at about river km 9.5. The flow there was about 2 m deep. Kirschner noted a sloughing of sediment form the banks. Walder and Driedger (1994) inspected and suggested this was a relatively small debris flow, as no new bouldery deposits were noted near the former picnic area, though there were muddy coatings there on older deposits. Estimated peak velocity from superelevation on boulders was 4 m/s. Estimated peak discharge ranged from 30-76 m3/s. It is likely this debris flow would have gone unnoticed if not for the serendipitous observations by Kirschner and associated ground shaking recorded by the Emerald Ridge seismograph.
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow: 30-76 m3/s (1,059-2,684 ft3/s)
Estimated Volume:
References:
Walder and Driedger (1994) (Page 82)
|
|
96 |
1989-08-16 |
Rockfall |
Russell Cliff |
1989 Russell Cliff Rockfall |
EVENT DETAILS - 1989 RUSSELL CLIFF ROCKFALL
Database ID#: 141
Date: Wednesday, August 16, 1989
Location: Russell Cliff
Glacier Name: None
Drainage Basin:
Event Type: Rockfall
Weather:
Season: N/A
Notes:
No info, just found this on https://pnsn.org/earthquakes/exotic-events
Update: From Pringle's roadside geology book:
"In July 1974 and again on Aug. 16, 1989, similar but smaller avalanches fell from Russell Cliff and traveled 1.2 to 2.5 mi (2–4 km) down Winthrop Glacier. Although the 1989 avalanche was only about 10 percent of the size of the Little Tahoma Peak avalanches, seismic signals generated by it were recorded as far away as 124 mi (200 km) (Weaver and others, 1990). "
Weaver, C. S.; Norris, R. D.; Jonientz-Trisler, Chris, 1990, Results of seismological monitoring in the Cascade Range, 1962–1989—Earthquakes, eruptions, avalanches and other curiosities: Geoscience Canada, v. 17, no. 3, p. 158-162.
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
|
|
97 |
1988-10-22 |
Debris Flow |
South Tahoma Glacier |
October 22 1988 Tahoma Creek Debris Flow |
EVENT DETAILS - OCTOBER 22 1988 TAHOMA CREEK DEBRIS FLOW
Database ID#: 81
Date: Saturday, October 22, 1988
Location: South Tahoma Glacier
Glacier Name: South Tahoma Glacier
Drainage Basin: Tahoma Creek
Event Type: Debris Flow
Weather:
Unknown
Season: Wet
Notes:
NOTE: This might be the 1988-10-16 event. From Samora (1991): "10/22/88 debris flow on Tahoma Creek left one million dollar's worth of damage to the Tahoma Creek Bridge, Sunshine Point Campground dike, Westside Road ... and Tahoma Creek trail." Not noted in other references.
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
Samora (1991)
|
|
98 |
1988-10-16 |
Debris Flow |
South Tahoma Glacier |
October 16 1988 Tahoma Creek Debris Flow |
EVENT DETAILS - OCTOBER 16 1988 TAHOMA CREEK DEBRIS FLOW
Database ID#: 64
Date: Sunday, October 16, 1988
Location: South Tahoma Glacier
Glacier Name: South Tahoma Glacier
Drainage Basin: Tahoma Creek
Event Type: Debris Flow
Weather:
Cool and very rainy
Season: Wet
Notes:
The seismograph from Longmire showed debris flow signals between 05:30 and 06:02 and 14:53 and 15:43. Park ranger J. Wilcox observed one of these flows. Deposits locally exceeded 8 m in thickness near river km 7.7. Mud lines showed there had been a rise in stage of about 5 m at river km 6.5. On the basis of superelevation on trees, J.J. Major and C.L. Driedger, USGS, estimated peak discharge of 600 m3/s near river km 6.0. Westside Road was seriously damaged. At the highway bridge, water level rose about 1 m; after flow had returned to ambient level, the stream bed was seen to be littered with tree trunks, causing concern about bridge safety. Sunshine Point Campground near the confluence with the Nisqually River was closed because of potential flood hazard.
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow: 600 m3/s (21,189 ft3/s)
Estimated Volume:
References:
Walder and Driedger (1994) (Page 81)
Scott et al. (1995)
Legg (2015)
|
|
99 |
1988-07-26 |
Debris Flow |
South Tahoma Glacier |
July 26 1988 Tahoma Creek Debris Flow |
EVENT DETAILS - JULY 26 1988 TAHOMA CREEK DEBRIS FLOW
Database ID#: 63
Date: Tuesday, July 26, 1988
Location: South Tahoma Glacier
Glacier Name: South Tahoma Glacier
Drainage Basin: Tahoma Creek
Event Type: Debris Flow
Weather:
Warm and Dry
Season: Dry
Notes:
The Longmire seismograph recorded debris-flow movement between 15:48 and 16:01. This flow was witnessed by G.G. Parker and C.H. Swift, USGS, from a vantage point near river km 8.0. Swift's estimated hydrograph is presented in Walder and Driedger (1994) as Figure 17. Estimated peak velocity and peak discharge were 5 m/s and 540 m3/s, respectively. Distinct levees were deposited in the vicinity of river km 7.0.
Estimated Velocity: 5 m/s (16 ft/s)
Estimated Peak Flow: 540 m3/s (19,070 ft3/s)
Estimated Volume:
References:
Walder and Driedger (1994) (Page 81)
|
|
100 |
1988-07-14 |
Debris Flow |
South Tahoma Glacier |
July 14 1988 Tahoma Creek Debris Flow |
EVENT DETAILS - JULY 14 1988 TAHOMA CREEK DEBRIS FLOW
Database ID#: 62
Date: Thursday, July 14, 1988
Location: South Tahoma Glacier
Glacier Name: South Tahoma Glacier
Drainage Basin: Tahoma Creek
Event Type: Debris Flow
Weather:
Cool and Drizzly
Season: Dry
Notes:
The Longmire seismograph recorded debris flow movement between 13:46 and 14:00. At approximately river km 5.6, the debris flow overtopped the Westside Road and left bouldery deposits of thickness 0.5 to 1.0 m for a distance of about 150 m, stranding 22 people and several automobiles, according to NPS staff. Part of the debris flow entered Fish Creek. Turbid water that followed the debris flow eroded a trench 1 to 2 m deep near the center of the road. No appreciable rise of water was noted at the highway bridge. C.L. Driedger and C.H. Swift, USGS, estimated the peak discharge at approximately 1300 m3/s near river km 6.5.
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow: 1300 m3/s (45,909 ft3/s)
Estimated Volume:
References:
Walder and Driedger (1994) (Page 81)
Legg (2015)
|
|
101 |
1987-10-01 |
Flood |
Carbon Glacier |
1987 Carbon River Flood Damage |
EVENT DETAILS - 1987 CARBON RIVER FLOOD DAMAGE
Database ID#: 92
Date: Thursday, October 1, 1987
Location: Carbon Glacier
Glacier Name: None
Drainage Basin: Carbon River
Event Type: Flood
Weather:
Season: N/A
Notes:
Date estimated - only mentioned as 1987 in Samora (1991).
From Samora (1991):
Carbon River Road storm damage
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
Samora (1991)
|
|
102 |
1987-09-23 |
Debris Flow |
South Tahoma Glacier |
September 1987 Tahoma Creek Debris Flow |
EVENT DETAILS - SEPTEMBER 1987 TAHOMA CREEK DEBRIS FLOW
Database ID#: 61
Date: Wednesday, September 23, 1987
Location: South Tahoma Glacier
Glacier Name: South Tahoma Glacier
Drainage Basin: Tahoma Creek
Event Type: Debris Flow
Weather:
Warm and Dry. Driedger and Fountain (1989): "Below normal rainfall, 41 mm rain in September before flood date"
Season: Dry
Notes:
The Longmire seismograph recorded debris flow movement between about 18:30 and 19:00. On the basis of superelevation on trees, C.L. Driedger and C.H. Swift, USGS, estimated velocity of 2 m/s in the former picnic area at river km 7.4. Near the suspension bridge at river km 10.5, estimates of velocity approximately 15 m/s and peak discharge of 1700 m3/s were made on the basis of superelevation and channel dimensions. This debris flow devastated what had remained of the former picnic area. Driedger and Fountain (1989) added: "Rerouted stream bed towards west, small percentage flowed over highway; destroyed signs and outhouse. Velocity > 2 m/s through parking lot". NOTE: Samora (1991) reports that "five debris flows" occurred on Tahoma Creek in 1987 but all other references only mention four.
Estimated Velocity: 2-15 m/s (6.5 - 50 ft/s)
Estimated Peak Flow: 1,700 m3/s (60,035 ft3/s)
Estimated Volume:
References:
Walder and Driedger (1994) (Page 81)
Driedger and Fountain (1989) (Page 54)
Scott et al. (1995)
Samora (1991)
|
|
103 |
1987-08-31 |
Debris Flow |
South Tahoma Glacier |
August 31 1987 Tahoma Creek Debris Flow |
EVENT DETAILS - AUGUST 31 1987 TAHOMA CREEK DEBRIS FLOW
Database ID#: 8
Date: Monday, August 31, 1987
Location: South Tahoma Glacier
Glacier Name: South Tahoma Glacier
Drainage Basin: Tahoma Creek
Event Type: Debris Flow
Weather:
Warm and dry. Driedger and Fountain (1989): "Unseasonably dry weather. 8 mm rain during August."
Season: Dry
Notes:
The Longmire seismograph recorded debris flow movement between 20:21 and 20:37. Field inspection by C.L. Driedger and C.H. Swift, USGS, revealed that this debris flow had breached older debris flow levees near river km 6.5, then flowed through a forested area toward the west. Near the Wonderland Trail suspension bridge (river km 10.4), maximum velocity of 9 m/s and peak flows were approximately 760 m3/s, on the basis of superelevation in a channel bend and channel dimensions. NOTE: Samora (1991) reports that "five debris flows" occurred on Tahoma Creek in 1987 but all other references only mention four.
Estimated Velocity: 9 m/s (30 ft/s)
Estimated Peak Flow: 760 m3/s (26,839 ft3/s)
Estimated Volume:
References:
Walder and Dreidger (1994) (Page 80)
Driedger and Fountain (1989) (Page 54)
Scott et al. (1995)
Samora (1991)
|
|
104 |
1987-08-28 |
Debris Flow |
South Tahoma Glacier |
August 28 1987 Tahoma Creek Debris Flow |
EVENT DETAILS - AUGUST 28 1987 TAHOMA CREEK DEBRIS FLOW
Database ID#: 7
Date: Friday, August 28, 1987
Location: South Tahoma Glacier
Glacier Name: South Tahoma Glacier
Drainage Basin: Tahoma Creek
Event Type: Debris Flow
Weather:
Warm and dry. Driedger and Fountain (1989): "Unseasonably dry weather. 8 mm rain during August."
Season: Dry
Notes:
The Longmire seismograph recorded debris flow movement between 17:04 and 17:13. Field investigation was limited to views at river km 5.6. At this location, the debris flow traveled in the channel established by the debris flow of June 29, 1987, and did not inundate forested areas, as had previous flows. Peak discharge estimated at approximately 20 m3/s on the basis of channel dimensions and superelevation on boulders. Driedger, personal communication: "23 m3/s at picnic area". Driedger and Fountain (1989): "Stream rerouted within existing channel". NOTE: Samora (1991) reports that "five debris flows" occurred on Tahoma Creek in 1987 but all other references only mention four.
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow: 23 m3/s (812 ft3/s)
Estimated Volume:
References:
Walder and Dreidger (1994) (Page 80)
Driedger and Fountain (1989) (Page 54)
Scott et al. (1995)
Samora (1991)
|
|
105 |
1987-08-09 |
Debris Flow |
Winthrop Glacier |
1987 Winthrop Glacier Debris Flow |
EVENT DETAILS - 1987 WINTHROP GLACIER DEBRIS FLOW
Database ID#: 4
Date: Sunday, August 9, 1987
Location: Winthrop Glacier
Glacier Name: Winthrop Glacier
Drainage Basin: West Fork White River
Event Type: Debris Flow
Weather:
Hot and Dry
Season: Dry
Notes:
Seismograph at Fremont Peak indicates that a debris flow, which moved along an unnamed tributary of the West Fork White River, occurred between 22:45 and 22:48. On the basis of the distribution of deposits, C.L. Driedger and P. Pringle concluded that the flow was confined between the lower slopes of Mineral Mountain and the west margin of Winthrop Glacier. Levees 4m or greater in height were deposited in the vicinity of river km 5.0. at the Wonderland Trail crossing near river km 3.2, thickness of debris-flow deposits were >= 3m. Near river km 3.0, the debris flow breached its levees and flows across the channel of the West Fork White River. Driedger and Pringle estimated the max discharge at approximately 70 m3/s at river km 3.2 and 270 m3/s at river km 3.7. There are may ponds on the surface of stagnant ice at Winthrop Glacier, and it is possible that this debris flow wass triggered by drainage of one of them, although there is no firm evidence of this.
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow: 70-270 m3/s (2,472-9,535 ft3/s)
Estimated Volume:
References:
Walder and Driedger (1994) (Page 79)
|
|
106 |
1987-06-29 |
Debris Flow |
South Tahoma Glacier |
June 1987 Tahoma Creek Debris Flow |
EVENT DETAILS - JUNE 1987 TAHOMA CREEK DEBRIS FLOW
Database ID#: 6
Date: Monday, June 29, 1987
Location: South Tahoma Glacier
Glacier Name: South Tahoma Glacier
Drainage Basin: Tahoma Creek
Event Type: Debris Flow
Weather:
Warm and dry. Driedger and Fountain (1989): "18 mm rain during June"
Season: Dry
Notes:
The Longmire seismograph recorded debris flow movement between 14:08 and 14:30. Two visitors to the park witnessed this debris flow from the Wonderland Trial suspension bridge at river km 10.4. They reported that the debris flow was preceded by a strong down-valley wind and loud rumbling. Thickness of bouldery deposits near the former Tahoma Creek Picnic Area (river km 7.5) exceeded 1 m. Levees 3 to 4 m in height were deposited between river km 6.5 and river km 7.3. K.M. Scott, USGS, estimated peak discharge at approximately 1000 m3/s. Driedger and Fountain (1989) add: "Rocks thrown over trail bridge 20 m above stream bed; deposited 1+ m of mud in picnic area. Destroyed picnic area. Concrete-like mass carried boulders. Flood wave of debris preceded by rush of wind; sound like aircraft". NOTE: Samora (1991) reports that "five debris flows" occurred on Tahoma Creek in 1987 but all other references only mention four.
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow: 1000 m3/s (35,315 ft3/s)
Estimated Volume:
References:
Walder and Driedger (1994) (Page 80)
Driedger and Fountain (1989) (Page 53)
J. Fielding and M. Starkey, Park Visitors
Scott et al. (1995)
Samora (1991)
|
|
107 |
1987-06-22 |
Other Hydrologic Event |
Nisqually Glacier |
1987 Nisqually Glacier Hydrologic Event |
EVENT DETAILS - 1987 NISQUALLY GLACIER HYDROLOGIC EVENT
Database ID#: 3
Date: Monday, June 22, 1987
Location: Nisqually Glacier
Glacier Name: Nisqually Glacier
Drainage Basin: Nisqually River
Event Type: Other Hydrologic Event
Weather:
Warm and dry
Season: Dry
Notes:
At 07:00, C.L. Driedger saw water emerging from the base of an icefall and flowing over the surface of the Nisqually Glacier. The water poured off the terminus to the river bed below. No debris flow formed, nor was there any notable geomorphic change produced along the Nisqually River. Water continued to flow over the glacier surface at a modest rate for approximately 24 hours. Andrew Fountain, USGS, made a field inspection of the channel cut by the superglacial flow ad, using channel dimensions and an estimated roughness coefficient, estimated peak flows at 2 m3/s. This value applies to the superglacial flow only.
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow: 2 m3/s (70 ft3/s)
Estimated Volume:
References:
Walder and Driedger (1994) (Page 79)
|
|
108 |
1986-11-01 |
Flood |
Mount Rainier National Park |
November 1986 Flooding |
EVENT DETAILS - NOVEMBER 1986 FLOODING
Database ID#: 91
Date: Saturday, November 1, 1986
Location: Mount Rainier National Park
Glacier Name: None
Drainage Basin:
Event Type: Flood
Weather:
Season: Wet
Notes:
Date estimated, only mentioned as "November 1986" in Samora (1991).
Samora (1991):
Heavy rains in November left extensive flood damage to Carbon River Road above Ipsut Creek Campground.
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
Samora (1991)
|
|
109 |
1986-10-26 |
Debris Flow |
South Tahoma Glacier |
1986 Tahoma Creek Debris Flow |
EVENT DETAILS - 1986 TAHOMA CREEK DEBRIS FLOW
Database ID#: 5
Date: Sunday, October 26, 1986
Location: South Tahoma Glacier
Glacier Name: South Tahoma Glacier
Drainage Basin: Tahoma Creek
Event Type: Debris Flow
Weather:
Cool and rainy. Driedger and Fountain (1989) state: "Dry weather in month proceeded by 58 mm rain on the day of flood and day previous"
Season: Wet
Notes:
The Longmire seismograph recorded debris flow movement between 13:54 and 14:12. This debris flow inundated the former Tahoma Creek picnic area near river km 7.5 and left bouldery deposits in the river channel in the reach between approximately river km 9.0 and river km 5.0. This was the first episode of substantial incision of stagnant, debris-rich ice between about river km 12.0 and river km 12.5. K.M. Scott estimated the maximum flow at 1000 m3/s at the Wonderland Trail suspension bridge, near river km 10.4. NOTE: Copeland (2010) mentions two debris flows in 1986, but Walder and Driedger (1994) mention only one.
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow: 1000 m3/s (35,315 ft3/s)
Estimated Volume:
References:
Walder and Driedger (1994) (Page 80)
Driedger and Fountain (1989) (Page 53)
Scott et al. (1995)
Samora (1991)
Legg (2015)
|
|
110 |
1986-09-04 |
Debris Flow |
Kautz Glacier |
1989 Kautz Glacier Debris Flow |
EVENT DETAILS - 1989 KAUTZ GLACIER DEBRIS FLOW
Database ID#: 2
Date: Thursday, September 4, 1986
Location: Kautz Glacier
Glacier Name: Kautz Glacier
Drainage Basin: Kautz Creek
Event Type: Debris Flow
Weather:
Dry weather with 17 mm rain in month previous to flood.
Season: Dry
Notes:
Seismic records indicate debris-flow movement between 18:55 and 19:01 and again between 19:29 and 20:18. The deposit thickness was 1 to 2 m near river km 7.0 K.M. Scott of USGS estimated peak flow of about 100 m3/s in this reach (Driedger and Fountain report 84-114 m3/s). This estimate probably pertains to the second debris-flow pulse. Destroyed trail bridge.
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow: 84-114 m3/s (2,966-4,026 ft3/s)
Estimated Volume:
References:
Walder and Driedger (1994) (Page 79)
Driedger and Fountain (1989) (Table II)
Samora (1991)
|
|
111 |
1986-06-22 |
Other Hydrologic Event |
Nisqually Glacier |
1986 Nisqually Glacier Hydrologic Event |
EVENT DETAILS - 1986 NISQUALLY GLACIER HYDROLOGIC EVENT
Database ID#: 56
Date: Sunday, June 22, 1986
Location: Nisqually Glacier
Glacier Name: Nisqually Glacier
Drainage Basin: Nisqually River
Event Type: Other Hydrologic Event
Weather:
40 mm of rain in previous month
Season: Dry
Notes:
Estimated peak flow > 1.7 m3/s. Flood originated at base of ice.
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow: 1.7 m3/s (60 ft3/s)
Estimated Volume:
References:
Driedger and Fountain (1989)
|
|
112 |
1985-07-18 |
Debris Flow |
Kautz Glacier |
1985 Kautz Glacier Debris Flow |
EVENT DETAILS - 1985 KAUTZ GLACIER DEBRIS FLOW
Database ID#: 1
Date: Thursday, July 18, 1985
Location: Kautz Glacier
Glacier Name: Kautz Glacier
Drainage Basin: Kautz Creek
Event Type: Debris Flow
Weather:
Hot and dry, no precipitation since the previous month.
Season: Dry
Notes:
Seismogram at Longmire showed evidence of debris-flow movement between 15:53-16:04. Because of the relative remoteness of the region affected by the debris flow, its deposits were not noted for nearly a week. Those deposits were found below about river km 7.5, approximately 4 km downstream of the glacier terminus, and buried the Wonderland Trail bridge at river km 7.0 to a thickness greater than 1 m. At the highway bridge (river km 1.0), mud lines showed that the water level had increased about 0.3 m. The magnitude of this debris flow seems to have been similar to the subsequent one of 9/4/1986, which K.M. Scott of USGS estimated peak flows of approximately 100 m3/s.
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow: 100 m3/s (3,531 ft3/s)
Estimated Volume:
References:
Walder and Driedger (1994) (Page 79)
Driedger and Fountain (1989) (Table II)
|
|
113 |
1982-11-01 |
Flood |
Mount Rainier National Park |
1982 Flooding |
EVENT DETAILS - 1982 FLOODING
Database ID#: 90
Date: Monday, November 1, 1982
Location: Mount Rainier National Park
Glacier Name: None
Drainage Basin:
Event Type: Flood
Weather:
Season: N/A
Notes:
Note: Date completely estimated. Only mentioned as 1982 in Samora (1991).
From Samora (1991):
"Two major trail reroutes were completed in the Carbon River District. One was above the Ipsut Creek campground, skirting 1200 ft. of storm ravaged trail. The other reroute was 1800 ft. at the snout of the Carbon Glacier due to a landslide area."
"White River campground road, 0.92 miles, from White River Bridge to the campground reconstruction began. Completion should be mid summer 1983.
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
Samora (1991)
|
|
114 |
1981-08-15 |
Debris Flow |
South Tahoma Glacier |
August 1981 Tahoma Creek Debris Flow |
EVENT DETAILS - AUGUST 1981 TAHOMA CREEK DEBRIS FLOW
Database ID#: 79
Date: Saturday, August 15, 1981
Location: South Tahoma Glacier
Glacier Name: South Tahoma Glacier
Drainage Basin: Tahoma Creek
Event Type: Debris Flow
Weather:
<250 mm rain for month
Season: Dry
Notes:
Date estimated; Listed as "August 1981" by Driedger and Fountain (1989). Low trail bridge was destroyed. 2-3 m high wall of water seen by park personnel.
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow: 1000 m3/s (35,315 ft3/s)
Estimated Volume:
References:
C. Harvey via G. Casey, Mount Rainier National Park
Driedger and Fountain (1989) (Page 53)
|
|
115 |
1980-12-28 |
Flood |
Mount Rainier National Park |
December 20-28 1980 Flooding |
EVENT DETAILS - DECEMBER 20-28 1980 FLOODING
Database ID#: 89
Date: Sunday, December 28, 1980
Location: Mount Rainier National Park
Glacier Name: None
Drainage Basin:
Event Type: Flood
Weather:
Season: N/A
Notes:
From Samora (1991):
1980: Roads and Trails: "Unusual heavy winter rainfall during the period from Dec. 20 through 28 caused flood damage to park facilities along the Nisqually River at Longmire, along the Carbon River from the entrance to the Ipsut Creek campground, and along Tahoma Creek above the Sunshine Point Campground near the Nisqually Entrance station. Channel work and other repairs were begun during the last week of December utilizing both park-owned and contractor-leased equipment. Damages were estimated at approximately $100,000.00."
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
Samora (1991)
|
|
116 |
1980-09-21 |
Outburst Flood |
South Tahoma Glacier |
September 1980 Tahoma Creek Debris Flow |
EVENT DETAILS - SEPTEMBER 1980 TAHOMA CREEK DEBRIS FLOW
Database ID#: 80
Date: Sunday, September 21, 1980
Location: South Tahoma Glacier
Glacier Name: South Tahoma Glacier
Drainage Basin: Tahoma Creek
Event Type: Outburst Flood
Weather:
Unknown
Season: Dry
Notes:
From Samora (1991): "A minor glacial outburst flood swept down Tahoma Creek...putting some mud up into a picnic area long the Westside Road and causing a large gravel accumulation behind the Tahoma Creek bridge."
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
Samora (1991)
|
|
117 |
1979-08-01 |
Debris Flow |
South Tahoma Glacier |
July-August 1979 Tahoma Creek Debris Flows |
EVENT DETAILS - JULY-AUGUST 1979 TAHOMA CREEK DEBRIS FLOWS
Database ID#: 78
Date: Wednesday, August 1, 1979
Location: South Tahoma Glacier
Glacier Name: South Tahoma Glacier
Drainage Basin: Tahoma Creek
Event Type: Debris Flow
Weather:
Dry weather with brief periods of light rain
Season: Dry
Notes:
Estimated date in database; Driedger and Fountain (1989) list date as "July-August 1979". Water covered parts of the trail head parking lot. Muddy water splashed on >10 m high cable railings of the suspension bridge. Estimated peak flows of 1000 m3/s.
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow: 1000 m3/s (35,315 ft3/s)
Estimated Volume:
References:
G. Casey, Mount Rainier National Park
Driedger and Fountain (1989) (Page 53)
|
|
118 |
1977-12-02 |
Flood |
Mount Rainier National Park |
Early December 1977 Flooding |
EVENT DETAILS - EARLY DECEMBER 1977 FLOODING
Database ID#: 88
Date: Friday, December 2, 1977
Location: Mount Rainier National Park
Glacier Name: None
Drainage Basin:
Event Type: Flood
Weather:
Heavy Rain
Season: Wet
Notes:
NOTE: DATE ESTABLISHED BY PEAK STREAM FLOWS AT CARBON (12/1) AND NISQUALLY (12/2)
From Samora (1991):
The Park received valuable assistance from Regional Public Health Officer Roger Lee after the December floods. Water systems and sewer systems were surveyed to make sure they were not a threat to public health.
"Due to December flood damage, a new transformer was installed at Nisqually, 2000 ft. of new power line was rebuilt at Sunshine Point Campground, the Tahoma Creek line crossing and crossing structures were rebuilt as the Kautz Creek crossing structures."
under Other: "December Flood Damage: Heavy flooding in early December washed all but five or six sites on the first loop of Sunshine Point down the Nisqually River. The power line was washed out at Tahoma Creek, Kautz Creek and Nisqually. About one mile of line had to be replaced.
The bridge over Ipsut Creek at the Campground washed out, and trees fell on the Carbon River shop and trail quarters. The road to the sewer treatment plant at Ohanapecosh was washed out and there was some serious flooding of the Longmire sewage lagoon. To top it off, there was considerable leaking in the Paradise Visitor Center and the power was off at Paradise and Longmire for long periods."
Also:
Park visitation decreased 14% in 1978, mostly in the first four months of the year, primarily due to heavy rains and floods of late December, 1977. State highway construction caused some traffic restriction on Highway 123 where a washout of December, 1977 was rebuilt and on Highway 706 where a one-land Bailey bridge crossed the washout over Goat Creek.
Roads and Trails: "A bailey bridge was installed across Ipsut Creek for temporary use. The dikes at Longmire and Sunshine Point campground were rebuilt from December 1977 flood damage. The Sunshine Point Campground was rebuilt by NPS and YACC assistance. The Mowich Lake Road was rebuilt from the December 1977 floods. Work included a 2 inch overlay of gravel road surface, new 48 inch culvert and rebuilding drainage and diversion ditches. The Ipsut Creek road was realigned at Ranger Creek to correct damage from December 1977 flood. All trails were repaired from the December 1977 flood. Gabions were installed along the West Side road for slope stabilization."
"Sunshine Point Campground Rehabilitation: As a result of lat year's flood damage, the campground was closed during August and September for complete rehabilitation. All sites were realigned, a new picnic area was established, paving was completed on a new loop road and all parking pads, the entire area was hydroseeded for revegetation and new comfort stations were installed."
"Carbon River Road: Portions of the road were closed during the year for extensive repair work to flood damage sections. One section was closed early in the year to install a temporary Bailey bridge where culverts had washed out. A second section was closed for several periods in October for widening."
"Mowich Lake Road: Extensive repairs to flood damaged sections delayed the spring opening of this road until late July."
Peak Flows:
Carbon River - 10000 cfs (14.17 yr RI)
Nisqually River - 17100 cfs (26.79 yr RI)
From Carbon River EA:
"[Carbon River Entrance] The stream bank at both the entrance and maintenance area, severely eroded in the 1977 flood, was stablized to reduce further intrusion of the Carbon River into the developed area (NPS 1979 DCP)"
"[Green Lake/Chenuis] - Listed as 1978 - Roadway damage between Green Lake and Chenuis trailheads"
"[Ipsut Creek] Another destructive flood washed out road culverts at Ipsut Creek. A 'bailey bridge' was constructed as a temporary measure until the Ipust Creek Bridge was constructed in 1979 (NPS 2006a:18)"
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
Samora (1991)
Carbon River EA
NPS 1979 DCP in Carbon River EA
NPS 2006a:18 in Carbon River EA
|
|
119 |
1976-07-03 |
Outburst Flood |
Nisqually Glacier |
July 1976 Nisqually Glacier Outburst Flood |
EVENT DETAILS - JULY 1976 NISQUALLY GLACIER OUTBURST FLOOD
Database ID#: 113
Date: Saturday, July 3, 1976
Location: Nisqually Glacier
Glacier Name: Nisqually Glacier
Drainage Basin: Nisqually River
Event Type: Outburst Flood
Weather:
Season: N/A
Notes:
NOTE: DATE ESTIMATED.
From Samora and Malver, 1996:
The following is a written description of a glacier burst on the Nisqually Glacier I witnessed in
late June/early July of 1976 at Mt. Rainier National Park.
It was just after 7:00 am in the morning (it was the weekend, probably Saturday), I had been
scheduled to give a 6:30 am bird walk and no one showed. So instead of returning to my quarters
I went on my bird walk alone. It had been raining for the past 2-3 days and was drizzling and
foggy at Paradise. There was still some 3-6 feet of snow on the ground at Paradise and the
weather had been rather bleak since my arrival June 15, 1976.
I was on the little nature trail from the Visitor Center to the Nisqually Glacier overlook and was
about 75 feet from the railing. The clouds had lifted and the drizzle had lightened up some when
I heard a hugh rumbling sound as if a rockslide or avalanche were occurring. It was very loud
and startled me, I immediately thought it was coming from above me on the mountain and I ran
to the railing and looked up the mountain towards Camp Muir and the cliffs above the Nisqually
Glacier. I could see nothing moving, no snow or dust cloud. It was several seconds later that I
realized the sound was coming from the snout of the Nisqually glacier far below me. I had a pair
of binoculars with me and focused on the glaciers snout. Because it was early summer, the
glacier was still covered in winter seasons white snow. The Nisqually river was also still hidden
beneath snow and silent, as was the entire valley below the glacier to the Paradise bridge.
What I remember seeing first was the up welling of white and gray water emerging from the
crevasses as if a dam had broken erupting of a great fountain releasing pressure and great
turbulence. Rocks were rolling off the crevasses across the top of the glacier. The crevices
themselves were actually widening as the water surged out of them. The water poured out and
was probably flowing three to six feet deep over the top of the glacier. The water ran out of the
crevasses on the lower end near the snout, there was some water coming out of fissures in the
snouts face. The glaciers high point was the near the center of the glacier and the water flowed
to both the right and left edge of the glacier and ran downslope into the snow field below the
snout. The water was gushing, bubbling and white like one sees in rapids or cascades with a tint
of gray to it.
At the mouth of the glacier, the Nisqually River bubbled up heaving huge blocks of snow off the
top of the river channel exposing the stream for the first time that spring (or summer). The water
flowed across the snow cover. Some of these snow blocks were as large as a VW Bus
automobile, maybe larger, six foot wide by eight feet in length. They were tossed to the left and
right of the channel as it flowed down stream. The stream for about two hundred yards broke
through as the water overwhelmed the narrow snow buried stream channel. However, some
portions of the Nisqually river remained covered by snow and wide bridges existed across the
channel at places. Hugh boulders, 2-4 feet in diameter could be heard and seen rolling down the
channel as the snow blocks were lifted up off the channel. As the water emerged from the
crevasses of the glacier, boulders could be seen rolling down the top of the glacier towards the
walls of the canyon. There were boulders and rocks on the edge of the valley that became
dislodged and then rolled down onto the glacier edge and fell into the valley below the glacier.
These rocks did not go far and pretty much settled at the base of the glacier, but I saw a few
bounce twenty or more feet into the air.
The sequence of events began with the water coming out of the crevasses on the top of the
glacier, followed by the Nisqually River below the snout of the glacier breaking though. The
noise came from first the water up welling through the glaciers crevasses on top of the glacier
and then this was joined by the boulders rolling down the stream channel, knocking into each
other as this great volume of water emerged from the glacier.
By 7:15 am the water had subsided from the crevasses and most of the flow came from the newly
exposed Nisqually River from the glaciers snout. I saw no upper portion of the glacier move
above the point of the lower glacier where the water was emerging from the crevasses. All
movement of the crevasses was restricted to the lower 100 yards of the glacier. It appeared that
the crevasses got wider as the water came up and out. I believe their was some small calving of
the glaciers face, with slabs of ice peeling off and water draining out. Up to this point, the
Nisqually glacier was covered in snow and was pretty white. By the end of this event, the
glaciers dark rock cover was exposed where the water had crossed over it. I realized that the
glacier was draining, that something had unplugged and the water had drained from it.
When I returned to the visitor center and told my supervisor Robin Lange what I had seen, she
told me that I had seen a glacial burst. She indicated to me that other rangers had seen this
happen but told me I was lucky and that it was not very common. She explained that the glacier
had filled with melt water and rain water from the days of rain we had experienced and had been
trapped in an internal glacial reservoir. This was a burst of the reservoir. By 7:20 am everything
appeared stable and the Nisqually River appeared to be within its stream banks. There was no
more movement and the noise was limited to the roar of the river which I later observed to be
normal seasonal flow, but prior to this event was not apparent because it was covered by snow.
It has been 22 years since I observed this spectacular event and have not forgotten it, it left an
impression on me. Being a physical geographer this was really quite exciting for me since most
of my education was in classrooms. I recall being disappointed that no one had come on my bird
walk because I was not able to share the experience with anyone. Everyone else in Paradise was
still in bed when this very exciting event occurred.
Jim F. Milestone
Regional Ecosystem Office
National Park Service
(503) 808-2170
April 14, 1998
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
Samora and Malver, 1996, Page 43-44.
|
|
120 |
1975-09-15 |
Debris Flow |
Van Trump Creek |
1975 Kautz and Van Trump Debris Flow |
EVENT DETAILS - 1975 KAUTZ AND VAN TRUMP DEBRIS FLOW
Database ID#: 60
Date: Monday, September 15, 1975
Location: Van Trump Creek
Glacier Name: Kautz Glacier
Drainage Basin: Van Trump Creek
Event Type: Debris Flow
Weather:
Dry weather with only 3 mm of rain in September.
Season: Dry
Notes:
DATE ESTIMATED. Debris flowed off of Kautz Creek moraine toward Van Trump Park. Estimated volume of Debris flow was 3000 m3.
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume: 3000 m3 (105,944 ft3)
References:
D.R. Cline in Driedger and Fountain (1989) (Table II)
|
|
121 |
1974-01-15 |
Flood |
Mount Rainier National Park |
January 1974 Floods |
EVENT DETAILS - JANUARY 1974 FLOODS
Database ID#: 123
Date: Tuesday, January 15, 1974
Location: Mount Rainier National Park
Glacier Name: None
Drainage Basin:
Event Type: Flood
Weather:
Season: Wet
Notes:
No found reports of damage
Peak flows:
Carbon River: 7,180 cfs (5.16 yr RI)
Nisqually River: 15,000 cfs (16.16 yr RI)
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
|
|
122 |
1972-07-14 |
Outburst Flood |
Nisqually Glacier |
1972 Nisqually River Flood |
EVENT DETAILS - 1972 NISQUALLY RIVER FLOOD
Database ID#: 55
Date: Friday, July 14, 1972
Location: Nisqually Glacier
Glacier Name: Nisqually Glacier
Drainage Basin: Nisqually River
Event Type: Outburst Flood
Weather:
63 mm rain in a 6-day period
Season: Dry
Notes:
Estimated peak discharge of 140-170 m3/s. Shelter and recorder on gauging station at Glacier Bridge destroyed. Probably included englacial water, though, there is no report of a sudden release.
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow: 140-170 m3/s (4,944-6,003 ft3/s)
Estimated Volume:
References:
Driedger and Fountain (1989) (Table II)
|
|
123 |
1971-08-10 |
Debris Flow |
South Tahoma Glacier |
August 1971 Tahoma Creek Debris Flow |
EVENT DETAILS - AUGUST 1971 TAHOMA CREEK DEBRIS FLOW
Database ID#: 77
Date: Tuesday, August 10, 1971
Location: South Tahoma Glacier
Glacier Name: South Tahoma Glacier
Drainage Basin: Tahoma Creek
Event Type: Debris Flow
Weather:
Zero rain in month previous to flood
Season: Dry
Notes:
Damaged trees
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow: 1000 m3/s (35,315 ft3/s)
Estimated Volume:
References:
Mount Rainier National Park Collections
Walder and Driedger (1989) (Page 53)
|
|
124 |
1970-08-21 |
Debris Flow |
South Tahoma Glacier |
August 1970 Tahoma Creek Debris Flow |
EVENT DETAILS - AUGUST 1970 TAHOMA CREEK DEBRIS FLOW
Database ID#: 76
Date: Friday, August 21, 1970
Location: South Tahoma Glacier
Glacier Name: South Tahoma Glacier
Drainage Basin: Tahoma Creek
Event Type: Debris Flow
Weather:
Dry weather, total rainfall < 10 mm for the month
Season: Dry
Notes:
Wonderland Trail bridge destroyed. Flood inundated picnic area. Cline's (USGS) slides show mudline about 2m high below trail bridge. Estimated peak discharge approximately 1000 m3/s.
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow: 1000 m3/s (35,315 ft3/s)
Estimated Volume:
References:
Crandell (1971)
Cline, USGS (Personal Communication in Walder and Driedger)
Walder and Driedger (1989) (Page 53)
Molenaar (2005)
|
|
125 |
1970-07-04 |
Outburst Flood |
Nisqually Glacier |
1970 Nisqually Glacier Hydrologic Event |
EVENT DETAILS - 1970 NISQUALLY GLACIER HYDROLOGIC EVENT
Database ID#: 54
Date: Saturday, July 4, 1970
Location: Nisqually Glacier
Glacier Name: Nisqually Glacier
Drainage Basin: Nisqually River
Event Type: Outburst Flood
Weather:
Dry
Season: Dry
Notes:
Estimated peak discharge: 85 m3/s. Stream gauging station undermined. Two peaks observed on hydrograph about 2 hours apart.
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow: 85 m3/s (3,002 ft3/s)
Estimated Volume:
References:
Driedger and Fountain (1989) (Table II)
Hodge (1972) (Page 315)
|
|
126 |
1968-07-01 |
Outburst Flood |
South Tahoma Glacier |
Summer 1968 Tahoma Creek Hydrologic Events |
EVENT DETAILS - SUMMER 1968 TAHOMA CREEK HYDROLOGIC EVENTS
Database ID#: 75
Date: Monday, July 1, 1968
Location: South Tahoma Glacier
Glacier Name: South Tahoma Glacier
Drainage Basin: Tahoma Creek
Event Type: Outburst Flood
Weather:
Season: Dry
Notes:
Crandell (1971): "Floods not associated with rainfall also moved down the valley from time to time during the summer of 1968". Date estimated and exact number of events uncertain. Flows estimated by Driedger and Fountain (1989) as
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow: Less than 680 m3/s (24,014 ft3/s)
Estimated Volume:
References:
Crandell (1971) (Page 60)
Driedger and Fountain (1989) (Page 53)
|
|
127 |
1968-06-02 |
Outburst Flood |
Nisqually Glacier |
1968 Nisqually River Flood |
EVENT DETAILS - 1968 NISQUALLY RIVER FLOOD
Database ID#: 53
Date: Sunday, June 2, 1968
Location: Nisqually Glacier
Glacier Name: Nisqually Glacier
Drainage Basin: Nisqually Glacier
Event Type: Outburst Flood
Weather:
112 mm rain in 24 hrs
Season: Wet
Notes:
Estimated peak discharge
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow: 83 m3/s (2,931 ft3/s)
Estimated Volume:
References:
Driedger and Fountain (1989) (Table II)
Hodge (1972) (Page 319)
|
|
128 |
1967-09-15 |
Debris Flow |
South Tahoma Glacier |
September 1967 Tahoma Creek Debris Flow |
EVENT DETAILS - SEPTEMBER 1967 TAHOMA CREEK DEBRIS FLOW
Database ID#: 74
Date: Friday, September 15, 1967
Location: South Tahoma Glacier
Glacier Name: South Tahoma Glacier
Drainage Basin: Tahoma Creek
Event Type: Debris Flow
Weather:
Exceptionally warm and dry summer. No rain in 2 months.
Season: Dry
Notes:
No damaged noted. Moved down-valley as far as the campground; noted as a "small lahar" by Crandell (1971). Estimated peak flow < 680 m3/s
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow: 680 m3/s (24,014 ft3/s)
Estimated Volume:
References:
Crandell (1971) (Page 60)
Driedger and Fountain (1989) (Page 53)
|
|
129 |
1967-08-31 |
Debris Flow |
South Tahoma Glacier |
August 31 1967 Tahoma Creek Debris Flow |
EVENT DETAILS - AUGUST 31 1967 TAHOMA CREEK DEBRIS FLOW
Database ID#: 73
Date: Thursday, August 31, 1967
Location: South Tahoma Glacier
Glacier Name: South Tahoma Glacier
Drainage Basin: Tahoma Creek
Event Type: Debris Flow
Weather:
Exceptionally warm and dry summer, no rain in previous 2 months.
Season: Dry
Notes:
Destroyed part of campground. Channel eroded in glacier; about 38x10^3 m3 of material eroded. Breakout at approximately 2,300 m asl. Flood had consistency of wet concrete, occurred during evening hours. 50% water flow. Flood dissipated 10.4 km below glacier. Peak flow estimated at 680 m3/s.
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow: 680 m3/s (24,014 ft3/s)
Estimated Volume:
References:
Richardson (1968) (Page 83)
Driedger and Fountain (1989) (Page 53)
Molenaar (2005)
|
|
130 |
1967-08-29 |
Outburst Flood |
South Tahoma Glacier |
August 29 1967 Tahoma Creek Outburst Flood |
EVENT DETAILS - AUGUST 29 1967 TAHOMA CREEK OUTBURST FLOOD
Database ID#: 72
Date: Tuesday, August 29, 1967
Location: South Tahoma Glacier
Glacier Name: South Tahoma Glacier
Drainage Basin: Tahoma Creek
Event Type: Outburst Flood
Weather:
Exceptionally warm and dry summer, no rain in 2 months.
Season: Dry
Notes:
Footbridge 1.9 km below glacier destroyed. Water emerged at ice fall at about 2,300 m asl. Occurred at 08:40. Peak flow estimated at 3 m3/s 11 km downstream of glacier.
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow: 3 m3/s (106 ft3/s)
Estimated Volume:
References:
Richardson (1968) (Page 83)
Driedger and Fountain (1989) (Page 53)
Scott et al. (1995)
|
|
131 |
1963-12-14 |
Rockfall |
Little Tahoma Peak |
1963 Little Tahoma Rockfall |
EVENT DETAILS - 1963 LITTLE TAHOMA ROCKFALL
Database ID#: 58
Date: Saturday, December 14, 1963
Location: Little Tahoma Peak
Glacier Name: Emmons Glacier
Drainage Basin: White River
Event Type: Rockfall
Weather:
Season: Wet
Notes:
In December 1963 rockfalls from Little Tahoma Peak on the east side of Mount Rainier volcano fell onto Einmons Glacier and formed avalanches of rock debris that traveled about 4 miles down the glacier and the White River valley. In this distance, the rock debris descended as much as 6,200 feet in altitude. Minor lithologic differences and crosscutting relations indicate that the rockfalls caused at least seven separate avalanches, having an estimated total volume of 14 million cubic yards. The initial rockfall may have been caused by a small steam explosion near the base of Little Tahoma Peak.
During movement, some of the avalanches were deflected from one side of the valley to the other. Calculations based on the height to which the avalanches rose on the valley walls suggest that their velocity reached at least SO or 90 miles per hour. The unusually long distance some of the avalanches were transported is attributed to a cushion of trapped and compressed air at their base, which buoyed them up and reduced friction.
*** Note from Pat Pringle's book ***
"The size and nature of the seismic signal of the Russell Cliff avalanche led a curious USGS seismologist, Bob Norris, to re-check the records from December 1963. He discovered a large signal on December 6 that is tentatively thought to correlate with the avalanches from Little Tahoma Peak (which were previously thought to have occurred on Dec. 13 or 14, 1963) (Norris, 1994)."
Norris, R. D., 1994, Seismicity of rockfalls and avalanches at three Cascade Range volcanoes — Implications for seismic detection of hazardous mass movements: Seismological Society of America Bulletin, v. 84, no. 6, p. 1925-1939.
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume: 10,703,768 m3 (14,000,000 yd3)
References:
Crandell and Fahnestock (1965)
|
|
132 |
1962-11-20 |
Flood |
Mount Rainier National Park |
November 1962 Flooding |
EVENT DETAILS - NOVEMBER 1962 FLOODING
Database ID#: 87
Date: Tuesday, November 20, 1962
Location: Mount Rainier National Park
Glacier Name: None
Drainage Basin:
Event Type: Flood
Weather:
Torrential Rain
Season: Wet
Notes:
Samora (1991): November 19 and 20, 1962, torrential rain on the 25 inch snow cover at higher elevations caused water to cascade down every mountainside, overflowing rivers and creeks. Extensive sections of road shoulder were washed away, numerous rock and mud slides blocked roadways and the Stevens Canyon Road was partially washed out at two locations.
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
Samora (1991)
|
|
133 |
1961-08-23 |
Debris Flow |
Kautz Glacier |
1961 Kautz Creek Debris Flow |
EVENT DETAILS - 1961 KAUTZ CREEK DEBRIS FLOW
Database ID#: 59
Date: Wednesday, August 23, 1961
Location: Kautz Glacier
Glacier Name: Kautz Glacier
Drainage Basin: Kautz Creek
Event Type: Debris Flow
Weather:
Flooding occurred during long dry period
Season: Dry
Notes:
Described as "Surge of muddy water". Cut stream bed 20-30 mm below its previous levee and destroyed 2 trail bridges. Debris flow was preceded by water flow over its top.
Samora (1991): No mention in Superintendent's Annual Report but the following reference was located. Patton, T.L. 1961. Report on aerial inspection of Kautz Creek following the surges which occurred August 23, 1961.
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
Richardson (1968) (Page 83)
Driedger and Fountain (1989) (Table II)
Samora (1991)
|
|
134 |
1959-11-22 |
Flood |
Mount Rainier National Park |
November 1959 Flood |
EVENT DETAILS - NOVEMBER 1959 FLOOD
Database ID#: 86
Date: Sunday, November 22, 1959
Location: Mount Rainier National Park
Glacier Name: None
Drainage Basin:
Event Type: Flood
Weather:
Heavy Rain
Season: Wet
Notes:
From Samora (1991): "High water due to heavy rains of November 21-22, 1959 caused extensive damage to roads, trails, bridges and powerlines throughout the park. The Nisqually River overflowed its banks at Longmire and water ran through the utility area and down the main entrance road leading into park headquarters. Extensive damage was done to road shoulders on the Longmire-Paradise road and large sections of road surface slid into valleys below along the Stevens Canyon road. The Carbon River Road was severely damaged by flood waters and many trail bridges were demolished. The full extent of trail damage will not be known until mid-summer or until inspection of snow-free trails can be accomplished."
Peak Flows:
Carbon River: 9970 cfs (14.01 yr RI)
Nisqually River: 10900 cfs (6.02 yr RI)
From Carbon EA:
"[Falls Creek] Fall (November) flood washed out 800 feet of road near Falls Creek - with some places washing out 10 feet below the surface (NPS 2006a:17,57)"
"[Green Lake/Chenuis & Ipsut] Flood also destroyed parts of the road near the Chenuis crossing and near the Ipsut campground with several culverts washing away (NPS 2006a:17,57)"
"
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
Samora (1991)
Carbon River EA
NPS 2006a:17,57 in Carbon River EA
|
|
135 |
1955-10-25 |
Debris Flow |
Nisqually Glacier |
1955 Nisqually Glacier Debris Flow |
EVENT DETAILS - 1955 NISQUALLY GLACIER DEBRIS FLOW
Database ID#: 52
Date: Tuesday, October 25, 1955
Location: Nisqually Glacier
Glacier Name: Nisqually Glacier
Drainage Basin: Nisqually River
Event Type: Debris Flow
Weather:
96 mm rain in previous 32 hours
Season: Wet
Notes:
Estimated peak discharge: 2000 m3/s. Concrete bridge removed, some damage to Longmire visitor facilities. Five or six surges of water occurred within 45 minutes. Ice and bouders in flow. Velocity estimated at 6.1 m/s, 30% water by volume.
From Samora (1991):
"On October 25, 1955 after heavy rains, the Nisqually River was in flood stage and surges which came from the glacier swept away the Glacier Bridge, six miles above Longmire. IT was believed the bridge had disintegrated but recently a large section of battered concrete was found about a mile above Longmire. The log bridge leading to the (Paradise) power plant was swept away and the Longmire campground and road were damaged. An extensive washout occurred on the main road about 1/4 mile below Longmire, where for 150 ft. about half of the road was carried away.
Many Longmire residents left the park, or retreated to higher ground, for several hours, as it was thought the community would be flooded. Snow starting to fall at higher elevations suddenly reduced the danger the same afternoon
Estimated Velocity: 6.1 m/s (21 ft/s)
Estimated Peak Flow: 2,000 m3/s (70,629 ft3/s)
Estimated Volume:
References:
Driedger and Fountain (1989) (Table II)
Richardson (1968) (Page 82)
Samora (1991)
|
|
136 |
1955-10-25 |
Flood |
Carbon Glacier |
October 1955 Carbon River Flooding |
EVENT DETAILS - OCTOBER 1955 CARBON RIVER FLOODING
Database ID#: 85
Date: Tuesday, October 25, 1955
Location: Carbon Glacier
Glacier Name: Carbon Glacier
Drainage Basin: Carbon River
Event Type: Flood
Weather:
Heavy Rain
Season: Wet
Notes:
From Samora (1991): There was extensive damage to the road in the Carbon River district, due to flooding from the Carbon River.
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
Samora (1991)
|
|
137 |
1952-09-01 |
Flood |
Chenuis Falls |
September 1952 Carbon River Flood |
EVENT DETAILS - SEPTEMBER 1952 CARBON RIVER FLOOD
Database ID#: 122
Date: Monday, September 1, 1952
Location: Chenuis Falls
Glacier Name: None
Drainage Basin:
Event Type: Flood
Weather:
Season: N/A
Notes:
DATE ESTIMATED
No recorded peak flows at Carbon River stream gage @ fairfax between 1952-02-04 and 1953-01-31.
From Carbon River EA:
"High waters inundated the road at Chenuis crossing in September causing moderate damage to the Chenuis road bridge and a culvert. Fixed by the following year (NPS 2006a:56)"
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
Carbon River EA
NPS 2006a:56 in Carbon River EA
|
|
138 |
1951-02-09 |
Flood |
Mount Rainier National Park |
February 1951 Flooding |
EVENT DETAILS - FEBRUARY 1951 FLOODING
Database ID#: 121
Date: Friday, February 9, 1951
Location: Mount Rainier National Park
Glacier Name: None
Drainage Basin:
Event Type: Flood
Weather:
Season: Wet
Notes:
Peak Flows:
Carbon River - 4770 cfs (2.18 yr RI)
Nisqually River - 6050 cfs (1.87 yr RI)
From Carbon EA:
"Flood washed out 200 feet of the Carbon River Road near the Chenuis Falls turnout (NPS 2006a:17)"
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
Carbon River EA
NPS 2006a:17 in Carbon River EA
|
|
139 |
1947-11-08 |
Flood |
Mount Rainier National Park |
November 1947 Floods |
EVENT DETAILS - NOVEMBER 1947 FLOODS
Database ID#: 120
Date: Saturday, November 8, 1947
Location: Mount Rainier National Park
Glacier Name: None
Drainage Basin:
Event Type: Flood
Weather:
Season: Wet
Notes:
Peak flows:
Carbon River - 4330 cfs (1.86 yr RI)
Nisqually River - 5560 cfs (1.66 yr RI)
From Carbon EA:
"A portion of the Carbon River Road, above Ipsut Creek was washed out as a result of heavy rains. The last mile of the road was impassible (NPS 2006a:17)"
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
Carbon River EA
NPS 2006a:17 in Carbon River EA
|
|
140 |
1947-10-02 |
Outburst Flood |
Nisqually Glacier |
1947 Nisqually River Outburst Flood |
EVENT DETAILS - 1947 NISQUALLY RIVER OUTBURST FLOOD
Database ID#: 51
Date: Thursday, October 2, 1947
Location: Nisqually Glacier
Glacier Name: Nisqually Glacier
Drainage Basin: Nisqually River
Event Type: Outburst Flood
Weather:
150 mm rain at Paradise on October 2, 1947.
Season: Wet
Notes:
Described as occurring between October 1-2, 1947. Estimated peak discharge of 100-200 m3/s. High water surge damaged motorized equipment. V-shaped gorge eroded into Nisqually Glacier. Outburst flood supplemented by rainfall.
From Samora (1991):
Another surge occurred on the Nisqually at the time of the Kautz Creek flood, October 2, 1947. At this time, channel improvement work was in progress just downstream from the bridge. Two trucks were engulfed by the surge and damaged beyond repair. A gas shovel was covered to above the turntable was later rehabilitated.
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow: 100-200 m3/s (3,531-7,063 ft3/s)
Estimated Volume:
References:
Driedger and Fountain (1989) (Table II)
Richardson (1968) (Page 81)
Samora (1991)
|
|
141 |
1947-10-02 |
Debris Flow |
Kautz Glacier |
1947 Kautz Creek Mudflow |
EVENT DETAILS - 1947 KAUTZ CREEK MUDFLOW
Database ID#: 57
Date: Thursday, October 2, 1947
Location: Kautz Glacier
Glacier Name: Kautz Glacier
Drainage Basin: Kautz Creek
Event Type: Debris Flow
Weather:
Abnormally warm summer, 149 mm of rain in 24 hrs during first day of flood
Season: Wet
Notes:
Largest geologic event on Kautz Creek since park's establishment. Average daily discharge 280 m3/s, peak discharge was "many times larger." Eroded 20 m deep channel into glacier, covered a large area of forest, highway and bridge with debris. Destroyed a 1.5 km segment of glacier. Outburst flood triggered by "an abnormally intense downpour of rain." 40% of flood was water. Total lahar flood vlume 38x10^6 m3.
From Samora (1991):
The Kautz Creek Valley was virtually denuded of trees in many sectors and approximately 1/2 mile of the Nisqually Entrance highway totally destroyed by flood waters and covered to depths up to 17 ft. with mud, boulders and trees. This flood, originating high on the slopes of Mount Rainier, devastated at least 600 acres of forest lands, destroyed approximately one mile of the Kautz Glacier, and marooned the Park Headquarters for several days. Considerable damage was caused by the flood to park structures downstream along the Nisqually River, and to private holdings outside the Park. Telephone and power lines were destroyed. Along the upper Nisqually River high waters also damage the Glacier Bridge and caused complete destruction of two 5-ton dump trucks caught in the rapidly rising waters
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow: 280 m3/s (9,888 ft3/s)
Estimated Volume: 38,000,000 m3 (1,341,957,335 ft3)
References:
Grater (1947)
Grater (1948)
Richardson (1968) (Page 83)
Driedger and Fountain (1989) (Table II)
Samora (1991)
|
|
142 |
1945-12-28 |
Flood |
Mount Rainier National Park |
December 1945 Floods |
EVENT DETAILS - DECEMBER 1945 FLOODS
Database ID#: 119
Date: Friday, December 28, 1945
Location: Mount Rainier National Park
Glacier Name: None
Drainage Basin:
Event Type: Flood
Weather:
Season: Wet
Notes:
Water Year 1946:
Carbon River - 4500 cfs, 1.98 yr RI
Nisqually River - 5000 cfs, 1.45 yr RI
From Carbon EA:
"Carbon River washed out a portion of the road below Ipsut Creek, necessitating extensive repair work (NPS 2006a:54)"
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
|
|
143 |
1934-10-25 |
Debris Flow |
Nisqually Glacier |
1934 Nisqually Glacier Debris Flow |
EVENT DETAILS - 1934 NISQUALLY GLACIER DEBRIS FLOW
Database ID#: 50
Date: Thursday, October 25, 1934
Location: Nisqually Glacier
Glacier Name: Nisqually Glacier
Drainage Basin: Nisqually River
Event Type: Debris Flow
Weather:
October 20-25 rainfall = 252 mm.
Season: Wet
Notes:
Occurred between 10/24 - 10/25. Estimated peak discharge of 100-200 m3/s. Moderate damage caused to bridge and motorized equipment. Water flooded in three or four distinct surges.
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow: 100-200 m3/s (3,531-7,063 ft3/s)
Estimated Volume:
References:
Driedger and Fountain (1989) (Table II)
Richardson (1968) (Page 79)
|
|
144 |
1934-10-25 |
Flood |
Mount Rainier National Park |
October 1934 Flooding |
EVENT DETAILS - OCTOBER 1934 FLOODING
Database ID#: 118
Date: Thursday, October 25, 1934
Location: Mount Rainier National Park
Glacier Name: None
Drainage Basin:
Event Type: Flood
Weather:
Season: N/A
Notes:
LIKELY HELPED INITIATE NISQUALLY GLACIER OUTBURST FLOOD/DEBRIS FLOW
6550 CFS flow at Carbon River @ Fairfax (4.05 yr RI).
From Carbon EA:
- Roadway damage near Chenuis Falls
- Road damage between Chenuis Falls and Ipsut Creek
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
Carbon River EA
|
|
145 |
1933-10-09 |
Flood |
Mount Rainier National Park |
October 1933 Flooding |
EVENT DETAILS - OCTOBER 1933 FLOODING
Database ID#: 117
Date: Monday, October 9, 1933
Location: Mount Rainier National Park
Glacier Name: None
Drainage Basin:
Event Type: Flood
Weather:
Season: Wet
Notes:
11,000 cfs flow on Fairfax gage (20.27 yr RI).
Carbon EA reports that in "1934" - "Flood destroy a 3000 foot section of the Carbon River near Cataract Creek (NPS 2006a:16). (Reference states road was closed but it was used later and designated in 1942 as a truck trail and later in 1948 was reported used by the public for its entire length until 1950 when it was permanently closed)"
Dependency with date - likely this damage occurred during this storm, which was in WY1934.
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
Carbon River EA
NPS 2006a:16 in Carbon River EA
|
|
146 |
1932-10-14 |
Debris Flow |
Nisqually Glacier |
1932 Nisqually Glacier Debris Flow |
EVENT DETAILS - 1932 NISQUALLY GLACIER DEBRIS FLOW
Database ID#: 49
Date: Friday, October 14, 1932
Location: Nisqually Glacier
Glacier Name: Nisqually Glacier
Drainage Basin: Nisqually River
Event Type: Debris Flow
Weather:
No rain from 25 Sept to 9 October. Rain 10-14 October = 220 mm
Season: Wet
Notes:
Peak flow estimated at 100-200 m3/s. Nisqually River road bridge destroyed. Debris flow 7 m high and 50 m wide. Landslide on lateral moraine reusulted from outburst.
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow: 100-200 m3/s (3,531-7,063 ft3/s)
Estimated Volume:
References:
Driedger and Fountain (1989) (Table II)
Richardson, 1968 (Page 79)
|
|
147 |
1926-10-16 |
Debris Flow |
Nisqually Glacier |
1926 Nisqually Glacier Debris Flow |
EVENT DETAILS - 1926 NISQUALLY GLACIER DEBRIS FLOW
Database ID#: 48
Date: Saturday, October 16, 1926
Location: Nisqually Glacier
Glacier Name: Nisqually Glacier
Drainage Basin: Nisqually River
Event Type: Debris Flow
Weather:
Occurred during first heavy rain at end of summer.
10-16 = 3.88 in
Season: Wet
Notes:
Date estimated - reported as "October 1926". Estimate of peak discharge is 100-200 m3/s. Destoryed Nisqually River road bridge. Described by Richardson (1968) as Outburst flood supplemented by rainfall.
From Report Ben D. found (Page 16): "On Oct. 16, 1926, after several days of heavy warm rains, all the streams were raised to record heights. At the Nisqually Glacier bridge was taxed heavily to care for the immense value of water coming from the glacier. The channel of the stream switched back and forth several times but no particular damage was done to the structure and no deep scouring occurred." 2 pictures on the back of this report. Photo #13676 caption" "Nisqually Glacier Bridge on Oct. 16, 1926 Looking upstream from right bank. Showing Nisqually River at flood stage. Highest water known for 10 years."
Paradise COOP weather data: (which is pretty poor and has a lot of gaps)... Likely is 10-16-1926 as 3.88 in of rain was received this day. Likely 0" of snow on groud but there had been as much as 13" on ground at Paradise on 10-13. High temp 50 on 10-16.
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow: 100-200 m3/s (3,541-7,063 ft3/s)
Estimated Volume:
References:
Driedger and Fountain (1989) (Table II)
Richardson (1968) (Page 79)
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148 |
1894-12-24 |
Unknown |
Columbia Crest |
Possible 1894 Phreatic Eruption |
EVENT DETAILS - POSSIBLE 1894 PHREATIC ERUPTION
Database ID#: 111
Date: Monday, December 24, 1894
Location: Columbia Crest
Glacier Name: None
Drainage Basin:
Event Type: Unknown
Weather:
Season: N/A
Notes:
Possible small phreatic eruptions between November 21, and December 24, 1894. No physical evidence for eruption.
From USGS/CVO Website:
Early pioneers to the Puget Sound region wrote of occasional dark clouds at the summit of Mount Rainier that they interpreted as small eruption plumes. The most complete reports came in November- December 1894 when the Seattle Post-Intelligencer and Seattle Press-Times printed accounts of steam and "black smoke" rising from the summit. These accounts were not, however, universally accepted, with a competing newspaper, the Seattle Telegraph, discounting the reports. The Seattle Post- Intelligencer supported an expedition to the mountain in late December 1894. On December 24th expedition members reached the northern foot of the mountain where they reported seeing small plumes of white steam and a single darker plume rising slowly from the distant summit, but a clear photograph of the volcano taken from Tacoma on December 29th shows no eruptive activity whatsoever. No tephra or other deposits have been found that would confirm an 1894 eruption, and sparsely scattered pumice previously interpreted as due to an eruption between 1820 and 1850 (the X tephra) is now known to be pumice from the widespread 2,200 year old C tephra fall from the Summerland eruptive period, later redeposited by snow avalanches and other processes onto younger glacial moraines. Evidence of 19th century steam explosions or eruptions from the summit of Mount Rainier in the 19th century is both scanty and tenuous.
Estimated Velocity:
Estimated Peak Flow:
Estimated Volume:
References:
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