Recipe for a Mudflow EarthCache
Hidden : 8/14/2008
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
1.5 out of 5

Size: Size: not chosen (not chosen)

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Geocache Description:


The purpose of this Earthcache is to introduce you to the causes and impacts of the Pine Creek Mudflows following the eruption of Mount St. Helens on May 18, 1980.


On May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helens erupted violently, setting off a chain of devastating hydrologic events. Following the eruption, mudflows quickly developed in the South Fork Toutle River, and in the Lewis River tributaries of Smith Creek, Muddy River, and Pine Creek.

Mudflows are thick slurries of various materials that have the consistency of thick cement. On May 18, 1980 a lahar (mudflow composed of pyroclastic material and water that flows down from a volcano) was created by a pyroclastic surge off the east slope of Mount St. Helens. The large 37 ton boulder at the site was deposited on the old road that was about 33 feet above Pine creek.



Lahars impacted nearly all Mount St. Helens river drainages, with the Toutle River system and the Muddy-Pine Creek drainage being the most impacted.

This photo shows the damage to the Pine Creek bridge.


The Pine Creek mudflow demonstrates that water with a mixture of other materials can be very devestating.

To log this cache, please do the following:

1. Visit the site and gather information.

2. Send your answers to the questions below directly to me.

3. Log your find as soon as the answers are sent so that I get both messages together.

4. Post a face photo of yourself and your GPS at the Pine creek Boulder.

Questions to answer for verification of your visit:

1. How many cubic yards of each do you need of snow/ice, mud/sand, and gravel/assorted rocks to create this mudflow.

2. How much total material did the Pine Creek mudflow yield in cubic yards.

3. How would you compare the Pine Creek mudflow to other mudflows.

4. What temperature does the volcano need to be in degrees Fahrenheit?

5. How many bridges for EXTRA CREDIT (Not required)

If you are a Geocacher in the state of Washington, please join the Washington State Geocaching Association. This is a great way to get the most out of Geocaching in our region. Simply go to the WSGA Web Page for details!


Additional Hints (No hints available.)



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