On May 30, 1914 Lassen Peak’s long awaited volcanic eruption made its debut. For some it was not unexpected from the many frequent ‘rumblings” around the region. On Sunday June 14, 1914 the peak had its most dramatic eruption to date. An ashen plume of smoke was sent some 2,500 feet skyward.

Of course, there were lots of theories as to what was the cause of the eruptions. One of the most interesting came from the residents of Chester and Big Meadows—the latter being transformed into Lake Almanor. Some were under the impression that the filling of Lake Almanor that spring triggered the eruptions.

Whatever the case may be, activity did not slow down with 110 eruptions recorded by the end of the year. One thing that observers and scientists alike found perplexing was the lack of lava or incendiary evidence. That would change in 1915.

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