Scientists deploy new sensors on Mt. Adams amid unusual earthquake activity

MOUNT ADAMS, Wash. (KPTV) – Scientists have begun installing new monitoring equipment around Mt. Adams as seismic activity increases beneath the volcano in central Washington.

Mt. Adams typically experiences an earthquake every two or three years. But six earthquakes were recorded in September 2024 alone. This is the highest level in a single month since monitoring began in 1982.

In response to the increased activity, scientists have decided to install additional temporary sensors in the Mt. Adams area. There is currently only one permanent seismic monitor for Mt Adams.

Mt. Adams is one of the least observed volcanoes in the Cascade Range.

The new monitoring stations record seismic vibrations, ultimately giving researchers a better picture of activity beneath the volcano.

FOX 12 spoke with Jon Major, Scientist in Charge of the USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory, about Mt. Adams.

“Right now there is only one monitor within about six and a half miles of the volcano,” Major said. “It's very difficult to get really good locations with just one monitor. It’s really difficult to determine the exact depth of the earthquakes.”

According to the USGS, Mt. Adams is considered a “high risk” volcano. However, Major said there was no indication that an eruption would occur any time soon.

“At this point there is no cause for concern. “We are maintaining our so-called alert level status at 'normal,'” Majors said. “There’s a good chance it’s just background activity at the volcano.”

Mt. Adams is located in southern Washington, approximately 30 miles north of the White Salmon-Hood River area.

USGS determines a volcano's hazard level based on several factors, including potential impacts to surrounding human populations, transportation disruptions, and general impacts to infrastructure in the event of a volcanic event.

Historically, volcanic activity at Mt. Adams is rarely explosive. The last eruption occurred between 3,800 and 7,600 years ago.

Mount Adams is considered the largest active volcano in Washington State by size and volume.

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