Glacier Peak Volcano

Glacier Peak Hazard Area

Snohomish County's Glacier Peak is the most remote of the five active volcanoes in Washington State, and more than a dozen glaciers descend it's flanks, prompting it's name.

Glacier Peak is not prominently visible from any major population center, and so it's attractions, as well as it's hazards, tend to be overlooked. Yet since the most recent ice age, this volcano has produced some of the largest and most explosive eruptions in the United States. Within this time period, it has erupted multiple times during at least six separate episodes. Glacier Peak and Mount St. Helens are the only volcanos in Washington State that have generated very large explosive eruptions in the past 15,000 years. During some of these eruptions, Glacier Peak erupted massive volumes of volcanic ash that was blown eastward by winds. Lahars (volcanic mudflows) rushed down the same river valleys that now sustain farmlands and communities.

While an eruption or lahar might not happen in our lifetime, being prepared is our best defense. A little time and effort spent in preparation now could keep you, your family, and your community safe when Glacier Peak next erupts.

  1. Ready
    Live safely near Glacier Peak

     Hazard map Hazard Maps
    Access your local hazards
       
     Make a plan Make a Plan
    Look at the map. Assess the hazards where you live, work, and commute. Make a plan. Identify evacuation routes and shelter above valley floors.
       
     Emergency Kit Emergency Kit
    Assemble emergency supplies and a plan to reunite.
       
    communicate Communicate
    Share your plans with family, neighbors and friends.
  1. Set
    Stay informed


     radio Emergency Broadcasts
    NOAA weather radio and 511 emergency travel.
       
     usgs USGS Volcano Notification Service
    Receive notices on specified volcanoes.
       
          alert Local Warning Alerts
    Sign up to be alerted for weather events in Snohomish County.

       


  1. Go
    Lahar warning...move off the valley floor!

     evacuate Evacuate
    Evacuate by vehicle or on foot to high ground 50 feet or more above the valley floor.
       
     shelter How to prepare for volcanic ash.
    If you are safe from lahars and ash is falling, seek shelter in a building or vehicle.