Geologic Publications for Mount Rainier

A new steam vent on Mt. Rainier, Washington

[ back to previous page ]

Author(s): Z F. Danes

Category: PUBLICATION
Document Type:
Publisher: Journal of Geophysical Research
Published Year: 1965
Volume: 70
Number: 8
Pages: 2003
DOI Identifier:
ISBN Identifier:
Keywords:

Abstract:
Mt. Rainier is a volcanic peak of 14,410-ft altitude, the highest mountain in the Cascade Range. Except for small steam vents, it has not been active in historic times.

On March 6 and 7, 1965, I lead a part of ski mountaineers up the Van Trump glacier on the southern slopes of Mt. Rainier. On both days the weather was clear and visibility perfect.

On March 6, the party reached an elevation of about 7000 ft before returning to camp at 5500 ft. Although the slopes of Mt. Rainier were watched constantly, nothing unusual was noticed.

The following morning, the party proceeded again up the Van Trump glacier. Shortly before 0830, Pacific Standard Time, a white cloud was noticed west of Kautz Glacier, and it was first mistaken for a powder snow avalanche. However, it was soon recognized to be a jet of steam discharging from a rock. The phenomenon was then observed almost continuously for 6 1/2 hours, and there is no doubt about its nature.

View Report:


Suggested Citations:
In Text Citation:
Danes (1965) or (Danes, 1965)

References Citation:
Danes, Z.F., 1965, A new steam vent on Mt. Rainier, Washington: Journal of Geophysical Research, Vol. 70, No. 8, 2003 p..