Lassen Volcanic Center
55 miles east of Redding lies Lassen Volcanic Center which is in Volcanic National Park. During the last 825,000 years, hundreds of eruptions have come from scattered vents. Over fifty non-explosive eruptions surrounding the Lassen Volcanic Center have occurred in the last 100,000 years. There have been three eruptions in the past: the Chaos Crags eruption, the eruption of Cinder Cone, and the Lassen Peak eruption.
The eruption at Lassen Peak mainly consisted of steam blasts, however, in May 1915, some of the molten rock that came from the vent resulted in a lava dome. That month the dome collapsed and resulted in an avalanche of hot rock that went down the north flank of the volcano. Three days later, a column of ash exploded and reached 30,000 feet. Ash drifted down 200 miles and went as far as Nevada. The older Chaos Crags eruption was similar but larger in magnitude.
Today the Lassen Volcanic Center has a strong geothermal system, steam vents, many hot springs, and boiling mud pots. Earthquakes still take place but many are too small to be felt. However, an eruption is inevitable at some point either at this center or at another volcanic epicenter such as Mount Shasta so we must be watchful.
An Eruption is Inevitable
Often times seismologists warn that a big earthquake that’s greater than magnitude-seven could happen, hoping to warn people of imminent danger.
Meanwhile, volcanoes are not given the same attention even though there are several of them that are all considered a high threat in the United States.
Researchers warn that an eruption that is comparable or worse than the eruption that’s taking place in Hawaii could happen in California. Not only is California earthquake country, but it has plenty of volcanoes too.
Currently, there may not be any active volcanoes, but an eruption can take place at some point.
