REVISITING MOUNT BAKER: COMMUNITY AWARENESS OF VOLCANIC HAZARDS 27 YEARS AFTER A VOLCANIC CRISIS

In March of 1975, elevated thermal levels at Mount Baker volcano in northwestern Washington melted off a large amount of glacial ice in the Sherman Crater area, south of the main summit. An active fumarole system was known to have been present for years, but in 1975 increased in size and magnitude. Closer inspection of the Sherman Crater area also revealed large amounts of hydrothermally altered material prompting concern for a debris avalanche and causing the closure of Baker Lake tourist areas. Although it did not erupt, Mount Baker has never returned to pre-1975 levels of activity. There is now concern that many of the people who use the Mount Baker wilderness for multitudes of year-round activities are unaware of the volcanic hazards associated with Mount Baker. Therefore, we are attempting to assess general community awareness of volcano hazards related to Mount Baker in order to prepare an effective public education program. The goal is to identify levels of understanding and any misconceptions held by residents within reach of volcanic events. Eventually, the results can be used to prepare a hazards awareness campaign in these communities. The surveying of residents in the hazards zones will be completed by March and results presented. The survey asks where people travel and what they do around the volcano, thus helping identify locations where hazards information can be presented to the public. Also, it asks what hazards people believe will affect their community and what they know of volcanoes and their impact on surrounding areas, specifically Mount Baker. Some responses about 1975-1976 thermal activity at Mount Baker will help identify what negative biases, if any, have been retained by communities affected by closures in 1975-1976. Resorts and towns depending on tourist dollars were adversely affected and prompted backlashes to officials in charge of ensuring public safety. By identifying misconceptions it may be possible to target public education efforts to be better prepared for a future living with Mount Baker and volcanic activity.