Geologic setting of Merrill Lake and evaluation of volcanic hazards in the Kalama River valley near Mount St. Helens, Washington

Open-File Report 70-169
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Abstract

Volcanic rocks and unconsolidated geologic deposits in the upper Kalama River valley were studied in order to determine the kind of catastrophic geologic events that might accompany a future eruption of Mount St. Helens. The chief purpose of the study was to appraise the potential geologic hazards at the site of a hydroelectric project under consideration by the Cowlitz County Public Utility District. It is concluded that if future eruptions of Mount St. Helens are like those of the recent geologic past, the principal hazards near the project site probably will be from nuees ardentes, mudflows, floods, and lava flows. If the volcano should erupt after the hydroelectric facility is constructed, it is recommended that the reservoir be emptied as quickly as possible, and that persons be evacuated from the valley floors adjacent to the volcano. 

Suggested Citation

Hyde, J.H., 1970, Geologic setting of Merrill Lake and evaluation of volcanic hazards in the Kalama River valley near Mount St. Helens, Washington: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 70-169, 19 p. :maps ;29 cm., https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr70169.

ISSN: 2331-1258 (online)

Study Area

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Geologic setting of Merrill Lake and evaluation of volcanic hazards in the Kalama River valley near Mount St. Helens, Washington
Series title Open-File Report
Series number 70-169
DOI 10.3133/ofr70169
Year Published 1970
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Description i, 17 p.
Country United States
State Washington
Other Geospatial Kalama River valley, Mount St. Helens
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