Scientists want to watch Mount Garibaldi closely. No, it isn't erupting
Federal scientists want to start Canada's first dedicated volcano watch on the peaks around Squamish, and the regional district has backed the idea. The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District board endorsed the proposal on October 30. The five-year project would cover Mount Garibaldi, Mount Cayley and Mount Meager from April 2027, if federal funding comes through.
What the project would do
The Geological Survey of Canada, part of Natural Resources Canada, wants to run a five-year project called VolCan: Towards a Canadian Volcano Observatory. It would focus on three volcanoes in the Sea to Sky: Mount Garibaldi, Mount Cayley and Mount Meager.
Under the plan, scientists would:
- Set up baseline monitoring at priority volcanoes, so they know what normal looks like
- Create notification steps and regular updates for emergency managers
- Hold workshops and emergency exercises with regional, municipal and Indigenous governments
The work would also help the federal government decide whether to create a permanent national observatory. Canada does not have one today.
Why Squamish is in the picture
In an October 9 letter, the survey called the three peaks the most threatening volcanoes in Canada. It said debris flows and ash could reach Squamish, Whistler and Pemberton, along with Highway 99, the CN rail line, and power and communication lines.
The ratings are about possible impacts as well as activity. They do not mean an eruption is likely soon. Garibaldi and Meager are rated very high threat, and Cayley high threat.
No sign of an eruption
Eruptions in Canada are rare. Natural Resources Canada has reported no satellite evidence of magma moving the ground at the country's volcanoes. Scientists say eruptions usually give warning signs, sometimes months or years ahead. Mount Meager had Canada's last major explosive eruption about 2,350 years ago, with ash reaching Alberta.
What comes next
- The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District board endorsed the plan on October 30 with no one opposed. Area A director Vivian Birch-Jones moved the motion.
- The survey is applying to the Canadian Safety and Security Program for money. Funding is not confirmed.
- If approved, the project would run from April 2027 to March 2032.
The plan builds on Canada's first volcanic hazard map workshop, held in Squamish on September 15 by the survey and Simon Fraser University's Centre for Natural Hazards Research.
The Squamish Chief reported the endorsement. For more on local hazards, see our flood protection page.
Source: The Squamish Chief