

Northeast-facing slope of Lassen Peak with a few snowfields and fluctuating

patches of sunlight on a cloudy day (September 1, 2013)

Lassen Peak is a plug dome volcano with an elevation of 10,457 ft (3187 m) in Lassen Volcanic National Park, California. This volcano has an interesting history of recent rumblings and eruptions, mostly occurring between 1914 and 1917 (see USGS).



We are coming across a weird part in Lassen Peak's history, when we consider the fake, pyrotechnically animated eruptions and nighttime fireworks, which were staged on its top in July 1931 to draw more attention to Lassen Volcanic—causing disbelief and criticism from conservation groups and local residents [Tim I. Purdy: Lassen Volcanic, Lahontan Images, Susanville, CA, 2009].



The native Maidu people called Lassen Peak Kohm Yah-mah-nee, meaning “snow mountain” (see Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center). Lassen is said to have some of the highest snowfall accumulations in California. The picture above illustrates that patches of snow can persist throughout the summer. During any season, clouds that look like they bring fresh snow may shroud the volcano.