Landslides and glacier retreat at Mt. Meager volcano: Hazard and risk challenges.
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| Authors: | Roberti, G.; Ward, B.; van Wyk de Vries, B.; Falorni, G.; Menounos, B.; Friele, P.; Williams-Jones, G.; Clague, J.J.; Perotti, G.; Giardino, M.; Baldeon, G.;Freschi, S |
| Year: | 2018 |
| Journal: | Proceedings of the 7th Canadian Geohazards Conference: Engineering Resiliency in a Changing Climate. PDF |
| Title: | Landslides and glacier retreat at Mt. Meager volcano: Hazard and risk challenges. |
| Abstract: | Mt. Meager is a glacier-clad volcanic complex in southwest British Columbia. In the summer of 2010, melting snow and ice caused by warm weather triggered the collapse of 53 Mm3 of rock and debris from Mt. Meager's south flank, generating the largest historic landslide in Canada. In 2016 fumaroles formed ice caves in one of its glaciers, raising concern about the potential for eruptive activity. Following these events, we carried out a geomorphic study of the volcano. Employing satellite-based differencing methods, we measured movements on previously identified unstable slopes and documented the recent retreat of glaciers on the volcanic complex. It is likely that glaciers will continue to thin and recede, and that slopes will continue to deform, possibly leading to catastrophic collapses similar to the 2010 event. Previous work concluded that the level of risk posed by large landslides at Mt. Meager is unacceptable. In spite of this conclusion, little has been done to manage the risk by local or provincial governments over the past decade. With new hydropower infrastructure near the volcano and continued population growth in the Lillooet River valley downstream, it is clear that the landslide risk is increasing. |
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