On August 17, 1959, an earthquake measuring 7.5 on the Richter scale
created Earthquake Lake about 25 miles NE of Yellowstone National Park.
The earthquake changed & formed new geysers in Yellowstone.
The earthquake caused a massive landslide which sent over 80 million tons of rock into the Madison River Canyon. River water backed up
behind the slide forming the new Earthquake Lake.
High winds reaching 100 mph and a
gigantic wall of water swept down the canyon.
Rock Creek Campground was located at this spot.
These trees are now called Ghost Trees.
In a few seconds, the earth's crust dropped 19 ft. and tilted Hebgen Lake which was previously formed by a downstream dam.
Above picture taken in 1959 shows the high and dry south shore.
Same lodge today.
Picture of Highway 287 in 1959.
Old highway 287 today.
Two hundred and fifty people were staying in campgrounds, cabins and resorts. Smoke jumpers parachuted into the valley to rescue the trapped victims.
Memorial Boulder dedicated to the 28 people who lost their lives.
Interesting and unfortunate story. It reminds me of Washaway Beach just South of where we lived in Westport area and near where you just visited last month:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/sea/coast/erosion/washaway.html
http://washawaybeach.com/gallery/index.html
I like the picture you took of Highway 287, it's pretty.
I 1959 I was probably not paying much attention to the news...so for whatever reason, I was not aware of this event. Sometimes we forget that Mother Nature is still actively shaping and reshaping our world dramatically. Interesting post!
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