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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.

Events Commemorate Volcano Preparedness Month in Washington State
April 27, 2018

During the month of May, residents of Washington State are encouraged to become more familiar with volcano hazards in their communities and learn about steps they can take to reduce potential impacts.

The USGS-Cascades Volcano Observatory, in cooperation with the Washington State Department of Natural Resources, Washington Emergency Management Division, and the Pierce County Department of Emergency Management, are participating in programs and events to bring awareness to the state's five main potentially active volcanoes:

• On Wednesday, May 9 at 10:30 a.m. (PDT), USGS-CVO Scientist-in-Charge Seth Moran will deliver a State-of-the-Cascades report to begin a USGS Volcanoes Facebook Live event;
• On May 12 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (PDT), the USGS–CVO will host a free, family-friendly, one-day public open house in Vancouver, Washington (). Visitors can speak with scientists, tour labs and test their knowledge of volcano hazard zones and volcano safety. The public is invited to bring a favorite mystery rock to be identified by a geologist. Displays and demonstrations offer a sampling of work that happens daily at USGS–CVO;
• On May 15, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. (PDT), Washington Emergency Management Division will sponsor a Reddit Ask-me-Anything, with a focus on Cascade volcanoes. A team of experts in volcanology, geology and preparedness will be on hand to answer any questions about our volcanoes that the internet community may ask them;
• On May 16, the Johnston Ridge Observatory at Mount St. Helens opens for the season and the the season-opening event It's a Blast will be held at JRO on May 19.

May is also the month to commemorate the May 18, 1980, catastrophic eruption of Mount St. Helens, which not only caused massive destruction and loss of life but also became a catalyst for a new era of unprecedented scientific discovery, technology development and community awareness. Follow USGS Volcanoes Facebook and Twitter to see photographs and news articles and read eye-witness accounts of events as they unfolded 38 years ago.

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Six years of hydrothermal and geochemical data for selected Cascade Range volcanoes now available online.
April 10, 2018

From 2009 to 2015, researchers systematically monitored hydrothermal behavior at selected Cascade Range volcanoes in order to define baseline hydrothermal and geochemical conditions. Gas and water data were collected regularly at 25 sites on 10 of the highest-risk volcanoes in the Cascade Range. These sites include near-summit fumarole groups and springs/streams that show clear evidence of magmatic influence. The archived monitoring data are housed on a new webpage and are available for researcher to use as a retrospective comparison with other continuous geophysical monitoring data or for context during future episodes of volcanic unrest.

Download the data from Hydrothermal monitoring data from the Cascade Range, northwestern United States and read more in a new publication, Multi-year high-frequency hydrothermal monitoring of selected high-threat Cascade Range volcanoes.

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Registration is open for Mount Rainier teacher training in the Park.
March 21, 2018

Mount Rainier National Park is a unique classroom, rich in resources for observing geologic change. Join us July 23–27, 2018, for a 5-day educator workshop in the Park, where we will explore the diverse and dynamic processes that have shaped the volcano and share new classroom ideas that will engage middle school students. There is a $20 fee for this workshop and free camping is available to participants. Registration information is at the Mount Rainier Teacher Professional Development webpage.

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New video describes SNIF volcanic gas monitoring station at Mount St. Helens.
March 15, 2018

Scientists at the USGS-Cascades Volcano Observatory developed a MultiGAS analyzer to continuously monitor gas plumes at Mount St. Helens. Take a tour of the crater and the "SNIF" station in this new 7-minute video narrated by USGS-CVO Research Geologist Peter Kelly.

While Mount St. Helens is currently at normal background levels of activity, by continuously monitoring volcanic gases at Mount St. Helens and other volcanoes, scientists hope to pick up on the earliest signs of unrest. The data will be used in combination with other monitoring data such as seismicity and ground deformation to piece together a comprehensive model for what we think is going on at the volcano. The information will be used to issue warnings of impending eruptions and deliver eruption updates to local governments, public officials, the media and the public.

Watch the video Continuous Gas Monitoring Tracks Volcanic Activity at Mount St. Helens or download from the USGS Multimedia Gallery.

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CVO welcomes the public to an Open House on May 12, 2018.
December 14, 2017

The USGS-Cascades Volcano Observatory opens its doors to the public on Saturday, May 12, for a one-day open house. Scientists will be on-hand from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm to share the results of their research and talk about volcano hazards. Hands-on activities and equipment demonstrations will be featured.

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Hydrology

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

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