The most popular posts to this blog are those concerning the potential eruption of the Yellowstone Super Volcano. Continuous activity of this massive caldera fascinates and causes concern for many. An eruption of the large, caldera forming size has happened at least three times in the past (see When Will Yellowstone Erupt?). This type of eruption, though not yet overdue, would cause climate changes as our civilization has never seen.
Below is an excerpt from the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory’s December, 27 2008 report:
The University of Utah Seismograph Stations reports that a swarm of small earthquakes of magnitude 3.5 and smaller is occurring beneath Yellowstone Lake in Yellowstone National Park, five to nine miles south-southeast of Fishing Bridge, Wyoming. The swarm began yesterday afternoon, Dec. 26, and has continued and intensified today. The two largest earthquakes in this swarm have been shocks of magnitude 3.5 and 3.4 which occurred at 1:17 and 1:26 pm MST, respectively, today. Many smaller earthquakes have also occurred, including three events this morning of magnitude 2.5 to 2.8 and a magnitude 3.2 event at 3:30 pm MST. Some of the earthquakes in the swarm have been reported felt by people in the Yellowstone Lake area. Swarms of this nature are relatively common in this part of Yellowstone Park.
Earthquakes in and around the Yellowstone area affirm the continuous underground activity. However, the likelihood of a major eruption is currently small. This should not deter visitors from visiting and enjoying the beauty of this great American national park.
For more information visit the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory.
Tags: super volcano, yellowstone, yellowstone caldera, yellowstone volcano
Phoenix METRO
Residents of the Phoenix, Arizona metro area get their first rides on the long awaited light rail public transportation system today. As part of the opening celebration, all rides are fare-free through the rest of 2008.
Construction on the 20 mile system began in March of 2005. Stops along the 50 minute route include areas of Phoenix, Tempe, and Mesa with future expansions to include Glendale.
Celebration activities include displays and entertainment at each stop. At Sycamore and Main, Grand Funk Railroad highlights a full day of music and food for the entire family. There’s also a kid zone and a classic car show.
At Veterans Way and College Avenue in Tempe there will be a festival including live music, fireworks, and a farmer’s market plus a whole lot more.
If you are in the Phoenix area this weekend, be sure to ride the new light rail system while enjoying some of the festivities. And for you Diamondbacks baseball fans, there is a light rail stop within 400 feet of Chase Field!
On the web: Valley Metro
Tags: Arizona, light rail, Phoenix
This Christmas season proved deadly for two snowmobilers near Logan, Utah. The Christmas Eve Utah avalanche involved three riders near the Rodeo Grounds area of Logan Peak. Fellow snowmobilers helped dig the victims from the snow. The two were transported via helicopter to Logan Hospital where they were pronounced dead.
A second accident occured in the Red Dog area near Squaw Valley, California on Christmas Day. One skier was caught and buried.
These two incidents bring the 2008-09 U.S. winter season avalanche fatality total to six.
More information can be found at www.avalanche.org.
Last year, three men were flown into the Alps for an adventure film. They chose a poor spot but, as you’ll see in the video, all three survived a massive avalanche.
Not all situations end this well. If you are planning backcountry ski trips, please be safe. Wearing a beacon and letting others know where you are and when you plan to return can mean the difference between living to tell the story and being a statistic.
Last year in the United States many died in avalanches. More than 30 people were not as fortunate as these guys.
Have a safe and merry Christmas!
Tags: Avalanche, avalanche fatalities
The death toll from avalanche related activities in the United States for this new winter season currently stands at 2. Both fatalities happened on 14 December. One death was in Utah while the other ocurred in Colorado.
Please remember to be careful in the backcountry. Always wear a beacon and be safe.
The Ride Utah Blog has posted links to snow safety videos from the Utah Avalanche Center. This is great information for everyone.
Tags: Avalanche, avalanche deaths, u.s. avalanche
