Project Links

Mount Rainier National Park » Lahar Detection System and Volcano Monitoring Network Expansion and Upgrades » Document List » Document Contents

Lahar Detection and Volcano Monitoring System Expansion at Mount Rainier National Park EA


The US Geological Survey, Cascades Volcano Observatory (USGS) has requested a permit to expand the existing volcano monitoring system inside Mount Rainier National Park (MORA). The proposal included 17 new site locations in the park as part of a broader effort to implement a Lahar Detection System for Mount Rainier and to expand the existing volcano monitoring system.

The goal of the USGS Lahar Detection System proposal is to mitigate human risk by reducing the amount of time it takes for an alert to be sent out to potentially affected populations and communities after a lahar has been generated. The proposal would also increase the number of total drainage areas covered by the alert system to include the Tahoma Creek and the Nisqually River drainages, which along with the Puyallup River valley, are vulnerable to future landslide-caused lahars from Mount Rainier.

The expanded monitoring system would also improve detection capabilities for smaller debris flow events, particularly along Tahoma Creek which has experienced multiple debris flows since the late 1980s.  Five of the proposed monitoring sites were approved and installed in 2020 within developed areas of the park, bringing the total number of existing sites within the park to fifteen.

Of the twelve remaining proposed monitoring sites, several are within the designated boundaries of the Mount Rainier Wilderness. These lands are managed pursuant to the 1964 Wilderness Act, which normally prohibits permanent installations. Sites proposed also include areas within or adjacent to the Mount Rainier National Historic Landmark District (NHLD).

The Lahar Detection and Volcano Monitoring System Expansion Environmental Assessment (EA) was prepared to analyze the USGS proposed action and alternatives, and to facilitate public review and comment.

The EA evaluates four alternatives:
Alternative 1 - the USGS Proposed Action, would add twelve new monitoring stations within Mount Rainier National Park.
Alternative 2 - No Action, would not authorize new stations with the park, although existing stations would be maintained within the park.
Alternative 3 - Would modify the USGS proposed action to avoid most adverse effects to historic structures within the Mount Rainier National Historic Landmark District (NHLD) by relocating five of the proposed monitoring stations from the NHLD to currently undeveloped areas within the Mount Rainier Wilderness.
Alternative 4 - (NPS Preferred Alternative) would modify the USGS proposed action to reduce the number of new installations within designated wilderness and reduce adverse effects on historic structures in the NHLD. This alternative would approve nine of the proposed twelve monitoring sites.

Public involvement is a key part of the planning and decision-making process. Input received during the public scoping period was used to develop and refine the proposed action and alternatives and helped to inform the development of the Lahar Detection and Volcano Monitoring EA. Supporting information, including a draft Wilderness Minimum Requirements Analysis, is included in the Appendices document. Your review and comments on the Lahar Detection and Volcano Monitoring System Expansion EA will help inform this National Park Service planning and decision-making process.
 
Comment Period: Closed        May 27, 2021 - Jul 9, 2021
Topic Questions Instructions:
All comments are welcome. We are particularly interested in comments that would help us ensure that the Lahar Detection and Volcano Monitoring EA provides an accurate analysis of the proposed action and alternatives, using the best available information to help support informed decision-making.
Topic Questions:
1. Are there any changes or additions to the range of alternatives that should be considered? If so, please describe what changes you would recommend, and why.
2. Is there additional information about public health and safety that should be considered?
3. Are there any additional impacts that should be considered (short- or long-term, beneficial or adverse)? Please describe.
4. What questions do you have regarding the proposed lahar detection and volcano monitoring system expansion at Mount Rainier National Park that are not addressed in the EA?
5. What additional measures should be considered to help avoid or minimize the potential for adverse effects to park resources and values?
6. Any other comments regarding the proposed lahar detection and volcano monitoring system expansion at Mount Rainier National Park?
Document Content:
Disclaimer: Links within the above document(s) were valid as of the date published.
Note: Some of the files may be in PDF format and can be viewed using the Adobe Acrobat Reader software. You may download a free copy of from Adobe Systems.