United States (Cascades) [Legacy Version: 2004–2006]

Note: This VAL system was in use from October 2004October 2006. The current VAL system can be found here.

Agency: United States Geological Survey (USGS)

Name: Notification for Ground Hazard


If the above link is broken try the archived version here. Reproduced from: Scott, W. E., Sherrod, D. R., & Gardner, C. A. (2008). Overview of the 2004 to 2006, and continuing, eruption of Mount St. Helens, Washington. US Geological Survey Professional Paper U.S. Geological Survey Professional Paper 1750. https://doi.org/10.3133/pp17501

Elements of VAL system

DomainTerrestrial
VolcanoCascades
Scheme range0–3 level scale
Lowest level0
Highest level3
Level name typeNumber & Word
Level for lack/loss of monitoringNo
Volcanic activityYes
Hazards possible No
Locations affectedYes
Potential impactsNo
Forecast languageYes
Timing languageYes
Actions to takeNo
Agency actionsNo
Link to evacuationsNo
Reporting frequency per levelNo
Link to monitoring thresholdsNo
Step-up and step-down languageNo

Related References

Fearnley, C. J., McGuire, W. J., Davies, G., & Twigg, J. (2012). Standardisation of the USGS Volcano Alert Level System (VALS): analysis and ramifications. Bulletin of Volcanology, 74(9), 2023-2036. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00445-012-0645-6

Scott, W. E., Sherrod, D. R., & Gardner, C. A. (1750). Overview of the 2004 to 2006, and continuing, eruption of Mount St. Helens, Washington. US Geological Survey Professional Paper, pg. 7. https://doi.org/10.3133/pp17501