Mount Rainier: The Sleeping Giant and How Communities Can Prepare

Mount Rainier ~ NPS

Mount Rainier, towering at 14,411 feet above sea level, is a majestic sight in Washington state, drawing
thousands of visitors annually. However, beneath its serene snow-capped peaks lies a dormant threat that could pose significant danger to surrounding communities. Recent studies and increased monitoring have heightened awareness of Mount Rainier's potential for volcanic activity, specifically the risk of lahars—devastating volcanic mudflows that could impact nearby towns and cities.

The Lahar Threat

A lahar is a mixture of volcanic ash, rock, and water that flows down the slopes of a volcano, often with the speed and force of a concrete-laden river. Mount Rainier is particularly prone to lahars due to its large volume of ice and snow, which could rapidly melt during an eruption or even due to geothermal activity.

The CNN article from June 23, 2024, highlights Mount Rainier's extensive history of lahars, with some flows reaching as far as the Puget Sound lowlands. The Osceola Mudflow, which occurred around 5,600 years ago, is a prime example of traveling over 50 miles from the volcano and reshaping the landscape.

Preparing for the Worst

Given the potential for disaster, communities around Mount Rainier must have robust preparedness plans. Here are some steps that residents and local authorities can take:

1. Early Warning Systems: Implementing and maintaining early warning systems that detect volcanic activity and potential lahars is vital. These systems can provide critical time for evacuations.
2. Evacuation Plans: Communities should develop and regularly update evacuation plans. Knowing the quickest routes to safety and having designated shelters can save lives.
3. Public Education: Continuous public education campaigns can help residents understand the risks and how to respond to an emergency. Schools, workplaces, and local organizations should all participate in these efforts.
4. Infrastructure Resilience: Strengthening infrastructure to withstand the impacts of lahars, such as reinforcing bridges and roads, can mitigate damage and ensure quicker recovery.
5. Community Drills: Regular community drills can ensure everyone knows their role and the actions to take when a real event occurs.

Natural Disasters in Other National Parks

Mount Rainier is not the only national park with potential natural disasters that could impact surrounding communities. Here are some other examples:

Yellowstone National Park: Supervolcano Eruption

Yellowstone is home to one of the largest active volcanic systems in the world. Though rare, an eruption of the Yellowstone supervolcano could have catastrophic consequences, including widespread ash fallout, climate impacts, and disruptions to agriculture and transportation.

Preparation Tips:

• Implement extensive monitoring and research.
• Develop cross-state emergency response plans.
• Educate the public on the signs of an impending eruption and the necessary actions.

Yosemite National Park: Wildfires

Like many California parks, Yosemite is threatened by wildfires. These fires can rapidly spread, endangering lives, property, and natural resources.

Preparation Tips:

• Establish and maintain clear evacuation routes.
• Conduct controlled burns and forest management to reduce fuel loads.
• Equip communities with fire suppression tools and training.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Flooding

This park is prone to heavy rainfall and flash flooding, which can quickly become dangerous for nearby communities.

Preparation Tips:

• Improve flood warning systems.
• Enhance watershed management to reduce flood risk.
• Construct flood defenses such as levees and retention basins.

Conclusion

While the beauty and grandeur of national parks like Mount Rainier draw millions of visitors, it's essential to recognize and prepare for the natural threats they pose. Through early warning systems, robust planning, public education, and infrastructure resilience, communities can mitigate the risks and protect themselves from potential disasters. Awareness and preparedness are the keys to living safely in the shadow of these magnificent yet powerful natural wonders.

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Meet Sean Smith, the master of conservation, adventure, and storytelling! This award-winning conservationist and former National Park Ranger has trekked through the wilderness of Yellowstone, Glacier, and the North Cascades, keeping nature safe with his trusty ranger hat and boots. But Sean's talents don't stop there. He's a TEDx speaker and even a private pilot, soaring through the skies like a bald eagle on a mission.

But amidst all these adventures, Sean's heart beats for storytelling. He's been spinning tales since childhood, and now he writes thrilling national park novels that'll have you hooked from the first page. Imagine the drama and mystery of the mountains combined with the adrenaline of a rollercoaster ride. That's what you'll find in Sean's books, set against the majestic backdrop of Yellowstone, Gettysburg, and Mount Rainier. His most recent thriller is set in Glacier and will drop later this year.

So, if you're craving an escape into the wild, look no further. Grab a copy of Sean's novels and prepare for an unforgettable adventure. These stories will transport you to the heart of the national parks, where danger lurks and heroes rise. Don't miss out! Find all his captivating novels right here and at the included QR code. 

What makes a good thriller hero?

James Bond, by Johan Oomen

I've read countless thrillers. Some good, some not so good. What draws me to these novels is a
number of things, but a good hero is at the top of the list. In my experience, there are a number of qualities a hero must have in order for the reader to relate to the protagonist. I've identified five attributes that any good hero must have.

When I write my thrillers, I've made a conscience effort to include the following attributes in my hero Grayson Cole.

Intelligence
First and foremost, a hero must be smart. He studies law enforcement and public safety, but a good hero is well rounded. He should know science and history. But how to order at a five star restaurant, as well as, a greasy spoon doesn't hurt. Knowing poetry and art are helpful as well, especially for wooing women. Think the world's most interesting man.

More often than not, its the hero's intelligence, his ability to out think the villain which will save his and the country's bacon.  However, our hero is smart enough to know he doesn't know everything and isn't afraid to learn always learn more.

Strength
Along with intelligence, every so often a hero may have to fight his way out of a situation. Sometimes a strong right cross, a well placed kick, or jab to the mid section is called for. A good hero knows when to use his head and his fist.  Yet, that strength isn't always brute force, it always includes a deep understanding of his feelings and emotions which serve as a well of inner strength.

Looks
Every good hero has got to be good looking.  As its said about Bond, every man wants to be him. Every woman wants to be with him. Yet, besides sex appeal good looks make the hero more approachable and often directly contrast with the villain.

Humility
However those good looks don't go to our hero's head. Rather, the hero knows that his looks are not his most important attribute and like the others can be lost or taken away. He appreciates his strengths, but is aware of his weaknesses as well.  As Chinese philosopher Sun Tzu wrote our hero knows himself, and as such he need not fear the result of a hundred battles.

Purpose
Perhaps the most important attribute of a hero is a sense of purpose. A true hero most have a meaning, a reason behind his life. It's this purpose that serves as his moral compass and guides his actions especially in situations where most see the right decision as ambiguous.  Knowing what's right and doing it despite the fact that it may be difficult is what truly makes are protagonist a hero.

What do you think makes a good hero?

Pick up a copy of Unleashing Colter's Hell and see Grayson Cole put these attributes into action.

New Research: Yellowstone volcano larger than previously thought

April 18, 2013: New research out of the University of Utah shows the magma chamber under Yellowstone national park is bigger than previously thought.  What's more, scientists believe the molten rock in this chamber is rising at an unprecedented rate displacing the surface crust.  Knowing the size of the chamber and the rate at which magma rising can help gauge the size of a future eruption. 

Past Yellowstone eruptions have buried much of the Midwest in tens of feet of ash and blotted out the sun for weeks.  If Yellowstone were to have an eruption similar to its most recent blast, it could literally be the end of the civilization as we know it.

Read Unleashing Colter's Hell for my take on what might happen if this volcano were to erupt, and who would want that to happen.

Here is a great info graphic on the geology of the Yellowstone caldera.


Source: OurAmazingPlanet.com: Infographic: The Geology of Yellowstone

National Parks a Democratic Idea

National Parks have been called "America's best idea" and I heartily agree. For me what makes national parks great is that at their core they are truly democratic.

Setting aside lands as a national park grew out of America's European roots. In Europe common lands were held by the crown and reserved mainly for the elite. In 1872 America rejected the model of parks as playgrounds for the rich, when it established Yellowstone as the world's first national park. Since then nearly 400 additional special places have been added to our park system. Many of these sites were first advanced by concerned citizens who believed their forest, river, mountain deserved national park designation. Today Americans across the country including those living around Mount St. Helens are urging park recognition for their nearby wonders.

Unleashing Colter's Hell is set in Yellowstone and tells the story of a terrorist strike at our nation's heart, at democracy itself. Look for the novel to come out soon.

What place would you add to the park system?

Yellowstone's Breathing Volcano

A geophysicist was recently recognized for his work on the Yellowstone super volcano. Robert Smith of the university of Utah discovered changing levels of Yellowstone lake was due to the upwelling of molten rock. This upwelling could signal a pending eruption.

At the heart of Unleashing Colter's Hell the new novel by Sean Smith, is unusual volcanic activity including changing lake levels and increased geyser activity. Any eruption by the Yellowstone volcano could spell the destruction of the world's civilization, and one man is trying to make that happen.

Look for the book soon.