Sound the Alarm!
Tuesday, February 9, 2010 at 6:35AM 
I may have mentioned that I work in a Valley. One of the benefits of working in the valley other than the lung wrecking air quality is the gorgeous view of the mountain (see above).
But the mountain is not the only thing I see on my way to work each morning. I also see this:
I know you are asking yourself does this woman have nothing better to do what kind of contraption that might be...
This is our local lahar warning system.
[editor's note: lahar: A wet mass of volcanic fragments flowing rapidly downhill. Lahars usually contain ash, breccia, and boulders mixed with rainwater or with river or lake water displaced by the lava flow associated with the volcano.]
Mount Rainier is actually a live volcano. Not unlike her sister peak Mount St. Helens who erupted in 1980. Fortunately for us, Rainier is taking a good long nap. However, in the event she wakes up any time soon, the powers that be have installed a lahar warning system throughout the valley so that the population can attempt to make it to higher ground should she blow.
Thus ends this glimpse into the easily fascinated mind of Asthmagirl interesting local details of my world. Try to remain calm.
AG out!
PS ~ Thank you for asking, K3 is doing well although heartily tired of soft foods and frustrated by her attempts to eat anything firmer than cream of wheat. Sigh...
dorking it up, technology, valley in Modern life, What's it all about? 
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Reader Comments (10)
That actually *is* pretty interesting. I've never even heard of "lahar" much less knew there were warning systems for it.
We don't have such warnings here in the mountains. We don't have tornado warnings or earthquake alarms or hurricane updates or anything like that. Maybe it's because NORAD is in our backyard watching over us. Or maybe -- like all the other health and safety measures typical of communities -- such warnings were cut from the local budget when taxpayers said "NO!" and we're all on our own now. Or maybe I shouldn't be so cynical and just admit that it's because such things don't happen here. (Although Pikes Peak *could* blow its top one day ... maybe??)
Poor K3. I can see how cream of wheat would get old mighty fast.
That's a pretty awesome warning system. And you're pretty tough for living in a valley that may explode.
For some reason I occasionally have Mt Rainier erupting nightmares. I'm glad they have the warning system, I just hope it works if needed!
I take K3's grumblings about being sick of eating soft foods as a sign she is totally on the mend! Great news!
Poor girl, what an ordeal and on top of it all you have to worry about lahars....how do you keep it together? LOL.
Poor thing. I hope she can get some firmer food soon. It makes my dental issues look wimpy.
I have to say this. I am so glad I am an east-coaster. Don't get me wrong. I love the west coast but I couldn't live there with earthquakes and volcanoes, and wildfires, and all the other stuff. I am too wimpy for that.
Oh very cool! I'm glad you have a warning system. We have tornado sirens stationed pretty close together. They're tested every Wednesday at noon.
Glad to hear your girl is recovering nicely. :)
Depending on where you live in the country, you have warning systems of various kinds. Our tornado tower warning alarm is right across the river. Last week it was tested for the first time this year. Jack went crazy, covering his ears and running to find me. He doesn't like loud noises. Let's hope my warning system and your warning system doesn't go off for a very long time.
Holy crap! Here's where our very different worlds become obvious. You with the water and me with the ...volcanoes. Never in a kajillion years would I think there'd be a contraption to warn about a volcano erupting. That is completely mind boggling--and fascinating.
Poor K3, it must be very, very frustrating. At the risk of having tomatoes thrown at me, may I suggest the instant grits? Yes, I said grits. Plain ones are awful, but you can doctor them up and/or they come in different flavors. About the same texture as cream of wheat. You can make them salty or sweet, just like cream o' wheat. Salty is good - the instant kind with cheese tastes just like macaroni and cheese (the kind that comes in a box, that is).
Orzo.. a little teensy pasta shape requires no chewing .. they slide down and taste as good as whatever they are in ... check out this site http://www.ilovepasta.org/
I learned something new! I wish I could make something for K3....Lots of love, MPM