Geologic Publications for Mount Rainier

Diversion of meltwater from Kautz Glacier initiates small debris flows near Van Trump Park, Mount Rainier, Washington

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Author(s): James W. Vallance, Carolyn L. Driedger, William E. Scott

Category: PUBLICATION
Document Type:
Publisher: Washington Geology
Published Year: 2002
Volume: 30
Number: 1/2
Pages: 17 to 19
DOI Identifier:
ISBN Identifier:
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Abstract:
On the evening of August 14, 2001, slumping of loose glacial debris triggered a debris flow on the south slope of Mount Rainier above Van Trump Park. This debris flow swept down Van Trump Creek to its confluence with the Nisqually River. Rapid melting of upper Kautz Glacier during hot summer weather was instrumental in initiating this debris flow. On August 13, a meltwater stream on the east margin of Kautz Glacier began to spill muddy water into the Van Trump basin through a 2- to 3-m (7–10 ft)-deep notch in the left-lateral moraine at the lower end of Wapowety Cleaver at an altitude of about 2682 m (8800 ft). Beginning about 9:00 p.m. on August 14, the flow incised a channel through the 5 to 30 m (16–98 ft) thick ground moraine in Van Trump Park and formed the largest of a series of debris flows. Progressive slumping of the glacial deposits during the next few hours formed additional debris flows and created a steep-walled channel that was visible at first light on August 15.

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In Text Citation:
Vallance and others (2002) or (Vallance et al., 2002)

References Citation:
Vallance, J.W., C.L. Driedger, and W.E. Scott, 2002, Diversion of meltwater from Kautz Glacier initiates small debris flows near Van Trump Park, Mount Rainier, Washington: Washington Geology, Vol. 30, No. 1/2, pp. 17-19.