When Lassen Peak came to life in 1914,  those residing to the east due to prevailing winds had to contend with the volcanic ash fallout. On the morning of May 22 1915, the most dramatic eruption occurred. The mountain was reported to be in a continual state of eruption. At 4:30 p.m. Lassen burst forth in a spectacular display, spewing forth a mushroom cloud of volcanic ash some four miles into the atmosphere. The eruption, recorded as number 174, lasted nearly an hour, dropping ash from the sky all the way east to Winnemucca, Nevada, nearly 300 miles distant. After the big eruption, activity greatly subsided, and for the remainder of the year there were only thirty-four eruptions cited.

Susanville resident, Med Arnold, happened to be fishing at Eagle Lake at the time of the eruption. Arnold stated the whole region was covered with volcanic ash, giving the appearance that it was coated with alkali dust. Arnold further noted enough ash fell from the sky to muddy the lake’s water. Janesville resident Gordon Rice, was optimistic about the situation, stated, “Lassen Peak is good to Lassen County; volcanic ash is a splendid fertilizer.”

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