Volcanic eruptions in B.C. are rare and usually come with warning signs. When they do occur, they can cause significant local damage and release harmful ash over thousands of kilometres. It’s important to know what to do before, during and after a volcanic event.
B.C. has 26 volcanoes and volcanic fields. There are also volcanoes in nearby locations like the Yukon, Alaska, Washington State and Oregon. One notable volcano is Mount Baker, just south of the U.S. border. Use ClimateReadyBC's volcano map to see which volcanoes are closest to you.
A volcano is an opening in the Earth’s surface where lava, gases and ash come out. Over time, these erupted materials pile up and form volcanic mountains. Some eruptions are small, while others are powerful, depending on factors such as the lava’s makeup and gas content.
Volcanoes can cause several hazards including:
Volcanic earthquakes may also occur. They are usually too small to feel, but help scientists understand what is happening beneath a volcano. Tsunamis can occur if a volcano is next to or under a body of water.
Eruptions in B.C. don’t happen often, and there are usually warning signs. These include gas emissions, increased frequency of earthquakes, and changes in the land around a volcano. The last eruption in B.C. happened about 150 years ago at Lava Fork in the northwest.
While most volcanic hazards affect the immediate area around a volcano, ash can travel thousands of kilometers and cause:
Although ash may cause significant property damage and the clean-up can be expensive, exposure to ash rarely endangers human life, except in certain situations such as a roof collapse from thick ash buildup or a traffic incident due to reduced visibility.
To prepare for nearby volcanic activity:
To prepare for falling volcanic ash:
If you are in an area near volcanic activity, follow all directions from your local government or First Nation officials. They will provide information on evacuations, sheltering-in-place and restricted travel.
If you must evacuate your home, do not return until told it is safe to do so. Never approach an area where there is volcanic activity.
If falling volcanic ash is expected in your area, minimizing exposure is the best way to protect yourself.
When volcanic ash is expected but is not yet falling:
When volcanic ash is falling:
If you have evacuated your home, do not return until your local government or First Nation officials have said it is safe. When falling volcanic ash has stopped and local officials no longer require you to remain indoors, cleanup can start, but ash can still be hazardous. Follow all clean-up instructions from your local government or First Nation officials.