Quakes and Volcanos

[mitchmountain]

This is such an excellent thread, putting the risks in perspective so well! Comparing the risks to California, for instance. I lived through one of the biggest quakes of all, in California. Very traumatic. But I would live in earthquake country again before I'd live on the plains or east where tornadoes hit. I would not move to a likely place where a lahar flow would be likely to go, but other than that I would not feel hesitant about living near Ranier, if it was the area of Washington we need to live in.

[WAfeeler]

YES, The threat is very real. You can go to earthquake epi center and talk with many earthquake chasers. Luke is the best.

[pw72]

Let's take a look at the facts. The Puget Sound region experiences "strong" quakes (6.0+) on average every 30 years.

The wildcard is a great subduction quake off the coast that happens every 300-500 years. The last one was 1700. Do the math.

Washington State is certainly an earthquake hazard zone. The risk factor is higher in Alaska and California, (due to more frequent quakes), but Washington is not immune to damaging quakes.

[princessvanessa]

I have lived in Puget Sound area for 50 years and have been through a few "big" quakes. They are unsettling but after a bit you tend to push the quake out of your immediate conscientiousness.

My mom was more concerned that I would be retiring, in a couple years, to Arkansas (Ozarks) and be swept up like Dorothy in a tornado. lol

As others have said, every area has it's trade-offs. Western Washington is very beautiful and lush; as the song suggests "the bluest skies you'll ever see are in Seattle". Okay, okay, it's August and overcast and has rained half the day in University Place--but I still think it's beautiful here.