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CHAPTER 14. VOLCANO
<br />14-5
<br />14.5.1 Population
<br />The whole population of Kittitas County is exposed to the effects of a tephra. The populations most
<br />vulnerable to the effects of a tephra are the elderly, the very young, and those already experiencing ear,
<br />nose and throat problems. Homeless people, who may lack adequate shelter, are also vulnerable to the
<br />effects of a tephra fall, although Kittitas County has few, if any, homeless people who would not be able to
<br />find adequate shelter or assistance during an event.
<br />14.5.2 Property
<br />All of the property and infrastructure exposed to nature in the county is exposed to the effects of a tephra
<br />fall. Vulnerable property includes equipment and machinery left out in the open, such as combines, whose
<br />parts can become clogged by the fine dust. Since Kittitas County receives snow every year, and roofs are
<br />built to withstand snow loads, most roofs are not vulnerable and would be able to withstand the potential
<br />load of ash. Infrastructure, such as drainage systems, is potentially vulnerable to the effects of a tephra fall,
<br />since the fine ash can clog pipes and culverts. This may be more of a problem if an eruption occurs during
<br />winter or early spring when precipitation is highest and floods are most likely.
<br />To estimate the loss potential for this hazard, a qualitative approach was used, based on recommendations
<br />from FEMA guidelines on state and local mitigation planning. Loss estimation tools such as Hazus currently
<br />do not have the ability to analyze impacts from volcano hazards. For this study, it was decided to use
<br />0.1 percent as the loss ratio for the volcano hazard. Assessed valuations provided by the Kittitas County
<br />assessor were the basis for these estimations. The results are summarized in Table 14-2.
<br />Table 14-2. Ash Fall (Tephra) Loss Estimation
<br />Jurisdiction Assessed Value Estimated Loss Potential at
<br />0.1% Damage
<br />Cle Elum $88,005,625 $88,006
<br />Ellensburg $894,213,490 $894,213
<br />Kittitas $66,114,260 $66,114
<br />Roslyn $67,559,830 $67,560
<br />South Cle Elum $8,747,100 $8,747
<br />Unincorporated $3,410,937,810 $3,410,938
<br />Total $4,535,578,115 $4,535,578
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<br />14.5.3 Critical Facilities
<br />All transportation routes are exposed to tephra accumulation, which could create hazardous driving
<br />conditions on roads and highways and hinder evacuations and response. Machinery and equipment using
<br />these transportation routes would also be vulnerable. Visibility in the short aftermath of an eruption would
<br />be problematic.
<br />14.5.4 Environment
<br />The environment is highly exposed to the effects of a volcanic eruption. Even if the related ash fall from a
<br />volcanic eruption were to fall elsewhere, it could still be spread throughout the county by the surrounding
<br />rivers and streams. A volcanic blast would expose the local environment to many effects such as lower air
<br />quality, and many other elements that could harm local vegetation and water quality. The sulfuric acid
<br />contained in volcanic ash could be very damaging to area vegetation, waters, wildlife and air quality.
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