California Volcanoes an Under-Reported Threat

There is no doubt about it, California volcanoes, although not the state’s most famous geological threat, are something that utility companies in the state should be keeping a close eye on. 

Why California Volcanoes are a Threat

Most people (myself included before reading this article) are simply not aware that California has any volcanoes, but surprisingly the state has 12 of them!  About 200,000 residents and visitors are within a volcano hazard zone every day.  Additionally, a lot of critical utility infrastructure is located within these at-risk areas. 

For example, there are thousands of transmission lines running through the hazard zones, which could short out if they get covered in wet volcanic ash.  There is also a natural gas pipeline located in a hazard area, which supplies over 4 million homes.  Several drinking water reservoirs are at risk as well. 

In addition, if any of the California volcanoes erupt, the aftereffects could linger for years or even decades, unlike earthquakes which are typically over in a matter of seconds, aftershocks notwithstanding.

And, according to recent statistics, the threat of an eruption is not to be taken lightly.  Researchers at the University of California, Davis claim that there is a 16% probability of a volcanic eruption occurring within the state over the next 3 decades.  Comparatively, this is the same probability as a magnitude 6.7 or greater earthquake occurring along the San Andreas Fault in that same timeframe! 

The threat is substantial enough that California has its own observatory – called the California Volcanic Observatory (CalVO).  Workers at the observatory utilize seismometers to monitor the ground for signs of magma movement and/or depth elevation, and monitor the local atmosphere for signs of volcanic gas emissions. 

The good news is that the reality of this risk seems to be getting some press, and the state is currently taking the necessary steps to prepare for the worst:

• CalVO worked with FEMA to develop a volcano emergency training and drill program.
• California’s Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) is currently in the process of developing volcano response plans.
• CalOES has launched a volcano alert service on its MyHazards website.
• Wildfire evacuation plans are being repurposed for a volcano crisis.
• Some utilities are working on protective barriers and air intake closing procedures to protect against the intrusion of volcanic ash.

The bottom line is that California volcanoes are a significant threat, but at least it is comforting to know that this threat is no longer being overlooked, and steps are being taken to prepare for the worst.