Lassen Volcanic National Park

Flooding is the dominant natural hazard at Lassen Volcanic National Park, with four recorded flood events contributing to the area's hazard total and two associated deaths in the county. Snowmelt from the park's high-elevation terrain can send water surging into low-lying campsites and across road crossings with little warning, making site selection a genuine safety decision rather than just a comfort one.

Before pitching your tent, check the elevation of your campsite relative to nearby streams and avoid setting up in drainage channels or flat areas directly adjacent to creek banks. Pack waterproof bags for sleeping gear and electronics, since a fast-rising stream can soak a campsite before you have time to relocate. Monitor the National Weather Service forecast for Shasta County each morning, as upstream rain—even if skies look clear at camp—can trigger rapid flooding several miles downstream.