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Cascades Volcano Observatory's mission
The U.S. Geological Survey's Cascades Volcano Observatory strives to serve the national interest by helping people to live knowledgeably and safely with volcanoes in WA, OR, and ID.

May is Volcano Awareness Month in Washington State!
May 06, 2013
During the month of May, citizens are encouraged to take the necessary steps to find out about volcanic hazards where they live, work and play, and how to survive and recover from the next volcanic eruption. Find preparedness information at the Washington Emergency Management Division. Go to the Cascade Volcano Weekly Update to learn about volcanoes near you and to register for customized Volcano Notification Service.

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Volcano Preparedness Events Involving USGS Scientists
May 06, 2013

At the USGS-CVO, scientists conduct research about volcano hazards so that policymakers and the public can prepare adequately for the next eruption in the Cascades. Here are opportunities to engage USGS scientists and learn more about hazards in your area and how to be prepared.

• Living with a Volcano in your Backyard—Mount Rainier presentations, Pierce County, WA libraries, May 7-30, 2013: Come learn more about Mount Rainier's history, hazards, and to have all of your questions answered. Information is available by clicking Mount Rainier presentation locations and dates.
• Living with a Volcano in your Backyard, Cowlitz County, May 30, 2013 (6:30 to 8:00 pm): Presentation by the US Geological Survey sponsored by the Cowlitz County Department of Emergency Management. Event will be held at the Cowlitz PUD auditorium located at 961 12th Avenue, Longview, Washington.

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Registration Now Open for Summer Educator Training Workshops
May 06, 2013

Two educator training workshops are offered this summer at Mount St. Helens and Mount Rainier. The workshops feature informative talks on Cascade volcanoes and volcanic processes, ideas for classroom activities, hikes into the field, and tips for organizing school field trips to visit the volcanoes.

• June 24-26, 2013 at Mount St. Helens: This three-day workshop, offered at the Coldwater Science and Learning Center, provides information and resources for your school's field trip to Mount St. Helens. Visit the Mount St. Helens Institute or contact Grace Schmidt, Coldwater Coordinator, at gschmidt@mshinstitute.org.
• July 29-August 2, 2013 at Mount Rainier: This five-day classroom and field-based workshop at the Mount Rainier Education Center offers information, classroom activities, and resources for Mount Rainier and other Cascade Range volcanoes. Visit the Mount Rainier Teacher Professional Development webpage to register.

Other upcoming events for educators include:

• September 21-23, 2013 STEM Fest Vancouver Science Festival: This will be a fun filled three-day Vancouver, WA, community science festival. Watch the STEM Fest website for schedule details as the date approaches.
• October 24-26, 2013 National Science Teachers Association (NSTA): While participating in NSTA conference in Portland, OR, sign up for a half-day field trip to USGS-CVO and visit USGS-CVO's volcano session during the NSTA meeting. Information is available at NSTA.

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Learn More About Volcano Monitoring and Meet USGS Scientists
May 06, 2013

Meet scientists of the USGS Volcano Science Center and learn more about their jobs as they watch over 169 known active volcanoes within the US and its territories. These two-to-four-minute web shorts provide glimpses into some of many professions that contribute to the science of volcanology.

• Photogrammetry: Photogrammetry is the science of making precise measurements by the use of photography. USGS geologist Angie Diefenbach describes how she uses a digital camera and computer software to understand the growth rate of lava domes during a volcanic eruption.
• Debris flows: Debris flows are hazardous flows of rock, sediment and water that surge down mountain slopes and into adjacent valleys. Hydrologist Richard Iverson describes the nature of debris-flow research and explains how debris flow experiments are conducted at the USGS Debris Flow Flume, west of Eugene, Oregon. Spectacular debris flow footage, recorded by Franck Lavigne of the Universite Paris, makes clear the destructive power of these flows.
• Seismology: USGS volcano seismologist, Seth Moran, describes how seismology and seismic networks are used to mitigate volcanic hazards.
• Instrumentation Development: USGS technologist Rick LaHusen describes how the development and deployment of instruments plays a crucial role in mitigating volcanic hazards.
• Volcanic Ash Impacts: USGS geologist Larry Mastin describes how volcanic ash can disrupt lives many thousands of miles from an erupting volcano. The development of ash cloud models and ash cloud disruption to air traffic is highlighted.
• Societal Impacts of Volcanism: USGS geologist, Angie Diefenbach, describes how she uses GIS, (Geographic Information Systems) software to study volcanic eruptions and their impacts on society.

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Quick Links
Photo Archive
Hot Stuff Archive
Maps and Graphics
Frequently Asked Questions
Glossary
Publications
Hydrology
Legacy CVO Home Page

High to Very High Threat Potential ¹
Crater Lake
Glacier Peak
Mount Adams
Mount Baker
Mount Hood
Mount Rainier
Mount St. Helens
Newberry
South Sister
Moderate Threat Potential ¹
Mount Bachelor
North Sister Field
Low to Very Low Threat Potential ¹
Belknap
Blue Lake Crater
Cinnamon Butte
Craters of the Moon Volcanic Field
Davis Lake Volcanic Field
Devils Garden Volcanic Field
Diamond Craters Volcanic Field
Four Craters Lava Field
Hell's Half Acre Volcanic Field
Indian Heaven Volcanic Field
Jordan Craters Volcanic Field
Lava Mountain
Mount Jefferson
Sand Mountain Volcanic Field
Shoshone Lava Field
Wapi Lava Field
West Crater Volcanic Field

^{1. View the threat rankings of US Volcanoes.}