A trip to earthquake lake
will teach about one of the most impressive geographic phenomenons of the west.
Rivers are known for carving valleys and canyons, not for their relationships
with earthquakes. However, when the two natural forces (flowing water and plate
tectonics) blend, the result can be astounding. An example of that natural
phenomenon lies only 25 miles from West Yellowstone at the Madison River Canyon
Earthquake Area.
An area 38,000 acres, the reserve is testimony to one of the most violent earthquakes that shook the west on Aug. 17 1959 at 11:37 p.m. At that time, the Red Canyon fault and the Hebgen fault, both in the Madison River area, moved simultaneously and triggered an earthquake that measured 7.5 on the Richter scale. That earthquake forced a massive landslide that screamed down mountains and hills at about 100 miles per hour. Tons of rocks and earth crashed into Madison Canyon. The results were catastrophic. The force of the slide caused a flood and high winds swept a giant wave downstream. Five people died in the flood alone. The landslide killed another 28 people. It also dropped the north shore of Hebgen Lake 19 feet. Cabins on the shore washed into the water as huge waves crested over Hebgen Dam. Three sections of Highway 287 fell into the lake, the dam cracked in at least four places and hundreds of campers were trapped. The landslide eventually stopped, essentially damming the Madison River and creating Earthquake, or “Quake Lake,” a 190-foot deep, six mile long lake.
An area 38,000 acres, the reserve is testimony to one of the most violent earthquakes that shook the west on Aug. 17 1959 at 11:37 p.m. At that time, the Red Canyon fault and the Hebgen fault, both in the Madison River area, moved simultaneously and triggered an earthquake that measured 7.5 on the Richter scale. That earthquake forced a massive landslide that screamed down mountains and hills at about 100 miles per hour. Tons of rocks and earth crashed into Madison Canyon. The results were catastrophic. The force of the slide caused a flood and high winds swept a giant wave downstream. Five people died in the flood alone. The landslide killed another 28 people. It also dropped the north shore of Hebgen Lake 19 feet. Cabins on the shore washed into the water as huge waves crested over Hebgen Dam. Three sections of Highway 287 fell into the lake, the dam cracked in at least four places and hundreds of campers were trapped. The landslide eventually stopped, essentially damming the Madison River and creating Earthquake, or “Quake Lake,” a 190-foot deep, six mile long lake.
Today the lake and surrounding area is beautiful, and I'm glad we had the opportunity to visit. Our lunch stop was at a little café off the beaten path, the food was great and the interior was "charming" I had my doubts when I saw the outside of the building! But like they say never judge a book by it's cover!
Weather this week in the low 80's lows in the 40's. Enjoying the cooler temps!! going to be hard going back to AZ.
Very nice and the Cafe looks charming.
ReplyDelete