A comprehensive volcanic hazard assessment for Mount Meager Volcanic Complex, B.C.

Mount Meager Volcanic Complex located in south-western British Columbia exhibits possible volcanic activity in the form of hydrothermal features such as several hot springs around the base and a fumarole field in the northeast corner of the complex. Operational infrastructure, including a run-of-river hydroelectric project, is present in the vicinity of the volcano and a significant population exists only 60 km downstream. Up until now, no volcanic hazard assessment or accompanying map existed for Mount Meager. Hazard assessments are important tools used to understand, manage and reduce the risks associated with volcanic environments. This thesis investigates the potential primary volcanic hazards associated with a future explosive eruption at Mount Meager. These hazards are identified as lahars, pyroclastic density currents and volcanic ash. With the use of numerical modelling programs, the distribution, timescales, intensity of inundation and other parameters are investigated. Finally, a suite of scenario-based preliminary hazard maps have been produced to visually display these hazards as a communication tool. This information relays hazard information to stakeholders with a vested interest in the potential risks involved with any future explosive volcanic event from Mount Meager.