Lava Flow hazards at Newberry Volcano

Fluid lavas may flow down slope from vents on Newberry’s flanks. The most severe hazards scenario for this type of eruption would be for lava to enter populated areas, burning and burying structures, and blocking U.S. Highway 97 or other roads. Lava flows could also ignite forest fires and temporarily block the Deschutes River causing flooding upstream from rising waters and downstream after the blockages are overtopped or bypassed. Fortunately, it is probable that monitoring the volcano would provide ample warning over weeks to months, in which case there would be sufficient time for orderly evacuations of people and property.