A seven frame panorama. A larger version is here.
It's beautiful but is considered one of the world's most dangerous volcanos. Due to its large volume of glacial ice, even a relatively small eruption could create huge lahars that would threaten the valleys around the mountain. I recently saw an article discussing this potential.
Past lahars have filled the valleys in question to 400 feet (122 meters). Three of the four valleys most likely to be affected in the future have dams that might be able to contain or slow the mud flows if there is sufficient warning to allow water levels behind them to be drawn down. However, the Puyallup Valley, home to 80,000 people, has no dams and no probability of one being built.
A major disaster might result if the mountain erupts. It's tiny compared to the result if the super volcano, under Yellowstone National Park, ever erupts. That one could end human life on earth. It erupts about every 600,000 years and it's been about that long since its last eruption. Have a nice day. ;-)
Sunrise from Sunrise
Mount Rainier National Park
Washington State, USA
My cancer has returned after almost a year of being symptom free. For the next few weeks, I have many doctor appointments and tests to determine and begin the advanced treatment best for my situation. My commenting will be intermittent at best.