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Melt Pond on Mount Hood Volcano in Washington Raising Concern

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The melt pond of the Coalman Glacier is depicted here, using a recent helicopter observation flight flown on October 6. Image: USGS
The melt pond of the Coalman Glacier is depicted here, using a recent helicopter observation flight flown on October 6. Image: USGS

Scientists are keeping an eye on an unusually large pond of melted snow and ice located on the Mount Hood Volcano in Washington. According to scientists with the USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory (CVO), the seasonal meltwater pond at the base of the Coalman Glacier was “significantly larger than in previous years.” If the water were to suddenly travel down the mountain, it could create some problems.

According to CVO, the pond’s water volume is unknown but is estimated to be on the order of 50,000 cubic meters, which is roughly the equivalent of 20 Olympic-sized swimming pools.  USGS sampled the water last week, detecting a provisional measured pH of 4, which is similar to a mildly acidic cup of black coffee.

“If all the water were released suddenly, it could generate a debris flow down the White River with the potential to reach the Highway 35 Bridge,” said CVO. They added, “Topography would prevent the flow from traveling down the Sandy River or toward Timberline and Government Camp. Based on current estimates of the pond’s water volume, impacts to populated areas are not expected.”

View of Mount Hood from the parking lot at Timberline looking north. From this vantage point, you can see the location of the melt pond and the White River drainage. Image: H. Weiss-Racine / USGS CVO
View of Mount Hood from the parking lot at Timberline looking north. From this vantage point, you can see the location of the melt pond and the White River drainage. Image: H. Weiss-Racine / USGS CVO

CVO scientists are working with other scientists and officials with the U.S. Forest Service, the National Weather Service, and Portland Mountain Rescue to make additional measurements and to assess the stability of the meltwater pond.

Mount Hood is the highest peak in Oregon, standing at 11,240 feet about 50 miles east-southeast of Portland, Oregon. The stratovolcano had its last eruption in 1780-1790 with minor steam and seismic activity continuing into the mid to late 19th century. It is still considered an active volcano. While active, its higher elevations are at a cold enough location for snow and glaciers; the volcano is home to at least 11 glaciers or snowfields every year.

Floods from glacial lake outbursts can be catastrophic. If water pressure builds up too high or if a rockfall or avalanche triggers a surge, the natural dams that contain these ponds could be breached, sending a huge volume of water with boulders and debris down a mountainside into vulnerable valleys.