Tom Pierson – Geology of the Gorge

White Salmon Valley Community Library 77 NE Wauna Ave, White Salmon, WA, United States

Tom Pierson, retired USGS Geologist/Hydrologist, will present an overview of the catastrophic forces and events that have shaped the Columbia Gorge that we know today.  Our majestic ancient river has fended off unceasing, violent geologic attempts to block it and divert it, but it keeps on flowing--it's quite a story. Tom will describe how small and huge volcanic eruptions, colossal floods, enormous landslides, and the grinding forces of tectonic crustal deformation have all taken their shots, yet the Columbia still flows to the sea. If you know where to look, you can see the evidence of these old heavyweight knockout rounds.   This talk will be hosted by the Columbia River Gorge Chapter of Ice Age Floods Institute at the White Salmon Community Library, beginning at 5:30pm on Monday, April 28.

How the Ice Age Floods Changed the Course of the Palouse River

Moran Prairie Library 6004 S Regal St, Spokane, WA

Palouse Falls - Photo Glenn Traver Before the Ice Age Floods, the Palouse River would have flowed through present day Washtucna, Kahlotus, Connell, Mesa, and Eltopia before entering the Columbia River near the Pasco Airport. Today, it takes a fifty-mile shortcut to the Snake River at Lyons Ferry via the Palouse Canyon and Palouse Falls. In this presentation by Lloyd Stoess, President, Palouse Falls Chapter, IAFI, we look at the two factors that caused this dramatic shift—either one by itself would not have been enough. To examine when this happened, we look at some possibilities and clues recently discovered by scientists. Presented in partnership with Ice Age Floods Institute (IAFI) (Registration required on SCLD website. Registration opens at 6:30 PM Monday, March 31, 2025.)

2025 IAFI Membership Meeting – Gorge-ous Gathering May2-3-4

Columbia Gorge Discovery Center 5000 Discovery Dr., The Dalles, OR, United States

 Celebrating Ice Age Floods Institute's 30th Anniversary The annual IAFI Membership Meeting is coming to the Columbia Gorge this May 2-3, 2025, and all our members and their guests are cordially invited to come experience some of the best and most interesting features the Gorge has to offer. There’ll be opportunities to explore storied Gorge wildflowers and native plants, geology and winery field trips, whitewater rafting, a membership meeting/dinner and a presentation by the ever-entertaining Nick Zenter. Friday, May 2nd, will be action packed with activities during the day. Choose between a guided Spring Wildflower Walk, a Journey Through Terroir field trip, an Unveiling the Gorge field trip (repeated on Sunday, May 4). There are also opportunities available every day for full-day or half-day adventure whitewater raft trips on the Klickitat or White Salmon Rivers with Wet Planet Rafting, a local world-class rafting company. Friday evening will feature our members meeting and dinner, followed by an entertaining and informative presentation by the inimitable Nick Zenter exploring and geolocating J Harlan Bretz’s field notes.  Jim O'Connor Richard Waitt Saturday, May 3rd, will feature the main Ice Age Floods Gorge Geology Field Trip – Explore evidence of the Ice Age Floods in the Columbia Gorge led by USGS expert geologists Jim O’Connor and Richard Waitt. This  field trip will examine the geology of the Columbia River Gorge with emphasis on the effects of the Ice Age Missoula floods, examining key sites and discussing the latest research. Learn more about the Missoula Floods, explore dramatic flood landforms, and enjoy beautiful vistas, lunch at the Deschutes River Park (order a box lunch or bring your own), and a no-host afternoon recap at Maryhill Winery. Check-in begins each day at 8:00 AM at the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center Find more detailed information here There is also plenty to see and do in the Gorge to keep you fascinated and engaged if you can stay another day. Visit iconic Multnomah Falls (I-84 access only) and spectacular Vista House at Crown Point overlook. Visit Timberline Lodge, a stunning 1930’s CCC project, on the snowy upper flanks of Mt. Hood. Travel the Hood River Fruit Loop or ride the Mt Hood Railroad Hike one (or more) of the innumerable and spectacular Gorge hiking trails Take Windsurfing and Kiteboarding lessons or just watch the action Enjoy fine dining, artisan wineries, breweries, museums and shops throughout the Gorge. There’s so much more to see and do that we can’t even begin to list it all.

Canceled 1.5 Million Years of Climate Data from the Antarctic Drilling Project

(05Dec2024) The Mid-Pleistocene Transition (MPT), where the Pleistocene glacial cycles changed from 41 to ∼100 kyr periodicity, is one of the most intriguing unsolved issues in the field of paleoclimatology. Jerry McManus is an AGU Fellow who is Chair of Columbia University's Environmental School. He spent time in Antarctica as part in a European-led consortium project to drill down an existing drill hole to punch back another half-million years of climate data from ice in the Antarctic Ice Sheet. The goal of the project was to get a continuous ice record reaching back past the Mid Pleistocene Transition (MPT) to get a better perspective on the short cycle into the long cycle transition. At our May meeting, Jerry will present an early glimpse on what the team discovered.  The May 05 meeting will be held in Bellevue College, Room B104.  The program begins at 7:00 PM.

How Do They Know? Major Findings About the Ice Age Floods

Spokane Valley Library 22 N Herald Rd, A, Spokane Valley, W, WA, United States

  Maps Have you ever been watching a science program and wondered “How do they know that?” Dr. Gary L. Ford, President, IAFI, will briefly discuss the how and who “figured it out” regarding aspects of the Ice Age Floods, looking at five questions. These include: how we know there was a huge glacial lake in western Montana thousands of years ago, how we know it drained rapidly perhaps a hundred times, about how many floods there were and when they occurred, where the floodwater came from, and about how long it took the floodwater to get to the ocean. We also go over which answers to these questions are still being debated by researchers. Presented in partnership with Ice Age Floods Institute (IAFI)

Sheila Alfsen – Mt. St. Helens May 18,1980 Eruption – Lwr. Columbia Chapter

Tualatin Heritage Center 8700 SW Sweek Drive, Tualatin, OR, United States

The 1980 Eruption of Mt. St. Helens in Washington was the worst volcanic disaster in recorded US history. Geologist Sheila Alfsen, will bring the event back to life; detailing its onset and eruption sequence. She will illustrate its volcanic hazards with examples from other volcanoes and comparing their relative sizes. Sheila will discuss the advances in volcanology made as result of the eruption, and how they are used around the world to gain prediction and offer disaster mitigation. Thursday, May 15, 2025, In Person 7:00 PM (PDT) at Tualatin Heritage Center, 8700 SW Sweek Drive, Tualatin, OR 97062 ALSO Live ZOOM from THC, Click for Zoom meeting, Meeting ID: 869 4651 3479 Passcode: 322382. Sheila Alfsen Sheila Alfsen's Background: *Current Instructor of Geology: Portland State University, Chemeketa Community College, Linn Benton Community College *Researcher *FEMA Earthquake Publication Reviewer *Paleontology- University of Oregon, Volcanology, Oceanography *Master of Arts in Teaching, Western Oregon University *Bachelors of Arts from Western Oregon University, Geology and Spanish *Oregon resident since 1970 - extensively traveled in US, particularly the Western states, Alaska, Arctic region, Iceland, Hawaii, Mexico, Puerto Rico * Thirty-five years in Education: Experience in interpretation for National Park Service

Free

Cheney-Spokane Chapter Hike – Palisades Park

Palisades Park 2-198 S Rimrock Dr, Spokane, WA, United States

The 3-mile hike will be led by IAFICS board member geologist Michael Hamilton. It will take place along Rimrock Drive, which has spectacular views of Spokane and the Spokane Valley. The Glacial Outburst Flood Story will include a lot of "arm-waving," pointing out flood features both along the trail and with views to the east. The geology discussion will include details of another kind of flood that hit the Spokane area 14 million years ago. The hike will then cut to the west along one of the park's trails to find mysterious Mima mounds, and then loop back to the parking area.    

Northeastern Waterville Plateau Field Trip

Leahy Junction Coulee City, WA, United States

2025 Ellensburg Ice Age Flood Institute Field Trip - "Northeastern Waterville Plateau". Topics will center around the Okanogan Lobe of the Cordilleran Ice Sheet and Ice Age floods in a now farmed and ranched landscape in a part of Central Washington few of us visit.  Trip will begin at Crown Point Vista north of Grand Coulee. Detailed schedule and the topics to be covered: 10:00  Stop 1—Crown Point Vista—Topics: Bedrock geology; Weather & climate; Biomes; Cordilleran Ice Sheet; Ice Age floods. 10:45  Depart 11:15  Stop 2—Northeast of Leahy Junction—Topics:  Advancing ice landforms (e.g., drumlins and flutes); Soil mounds & patterned ground. 12:00  Depart 12:30  Stop 3—Trefry Canyon headwaters—Topics: Glacial meltwater features (e.g., tunnel valleys and eskers); Farming & ranching patterns. 1:15  Depart 1:30     Stop 4—East of Osborne Corner—Topics: Stagnant ice landforms (e.g., recessional moraines and haystack rocks). 2:15     Depart 2:45     Stop 5—Strahl Canyon—Topics: Glacial meltwater; Glacial Lake Columbia sediments & terraces; Landslides. 3:30     Depart 3:45     Stop 6—Columbia River Overlook—Topics: Changing paths of the Columbia River; Crossing the Columbia River; River transport & rapids. 4:30     Depart for home Logistics: This trip is free and open to the public.  You will need a Discover Pass for Stop 1.  After Stop 1, we will drive on a mix of paved and good quality gravel roads.  A standard sedan should do fine on the gravel roads.  Carpool if you will make the loop back to Crown Point; otherwise, there should be lots of parking available at each of the stops.  We will take short hikes at Stops 2, 3 and 4.  By short, I mean 0.5 mi or less at each stop. The hiking terrain is fairly gentle but we will be traipsing through sagebrush and bunch grass.  There are no restroom or picnic facilities along our field trip route.  Therefore, you will need to use the great outdoors if you need to go.  Plan on eating lunch/snacks on the road or at the stops.  There won’t be a formal lunch stop  Dogs and kids are fine to bring as long as they are well-behaved.  Dress for the weather.  June weather here can be sunny and hot to windy & cool.  I will post a pdf of the field guide by 9 June on my CWU website at https://www.cwu.edu/academics/geography/_documents/karl-lillquist.php.  Scroll down the page to “Field Guides”.  You will find it under “Margins of the Eastern Cascades”.  Feel free to download and bring it on the field trip in digital format or print it out.  The Ellensburg Chapter of the Ice Age Floods Institute will also provide ~40 hard copies of the field guide for the trip.  There is no cost for the field guides.  However, if you are not a member of the Ellensburg Chapter, please consider making a donation to the chapter to help cover the costs of the field guides (each cost ~$12/each). Questions? Email me at lillquis@cwu.edu or leave a phone message at 509 963-1184.  Emails are best as I only check that phone a couple of times each week. I hope you can join us on Saturday June 14th. Karl Lillquist

Interesting Features and Recent Discoveries of the Middle and Lower Cheney-Palouse Tract

The Gathering Place LaCrosse, WA, United States

Lloyd Stoess “An Overview of the Middle and Lower Cheney-Palouse Tract of the Channel Scablands – Interesting Features and Recent Discoveries”. This lecture will include a speculative look at when and how many floods came through present day Lacrosse. Saturday June 28 at 1:00 pm at The Gathering Place in downtown Lacrosse, WA as is part of the Lacrosse Farmers Festival. Presented by Lloyd Stoess, Palouse Falls Chapter President.

Ice Age FloodFest 2025

Dry Falls Visitor Center 35661 HWY 17 North, Coulee City, WA, United States

Get ready for the Ice Age Floodfest 2025, an unparalleled celebration of the cataclysmic events that carved out the Pacific Northwest's iconic channeled scablands! Dive deep into the geological story that spans millennia and reshaped the very landscape beneath our feet. From towering coulees to vast dry falls, the evidence of these ancient, colossal floods is everywhere, and this year's Floodfest promises to raise your awareness and understanding of their incredible power and lasting impact. Join us in the Lower Grand Coulee for a day of expert-led talks, fascinating field trips, and engaging exhibits that will transport you back to a time when mile-high ice dams burst, unleashing torrents of water that dwarfed any flood in human history. Whether you're a seasoned geologist or simply curious about the natural wonders around you, the Ice Age Floodfest 2025 is an event you won't want to miss! Presenters will share their knowledge and their appreciation of  Ice Age Floods Geology, the Channeled Scablands, Shrub  Steppe Ecosystems, Anthropology, Archeology, and History. Field Trip Hike: 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM Where: Lake Lenore Caves Heritage Area Bruce Bjornstad, a Research Scientist based in Richland, Washington and  author of the popular ‘On the Trail of the Ice Age Floods’ guidebooks, will lead an  educational hike from the Lake Lenore Caves trailhead. The park is situated above Lake  Lenore, and it offers stunning views of the valley. The caves themselves are shallow basalt  formations created during the Great Missoula floods. Outdoor Booths: 10 AM – 3 PM on the campus of Dry Falls Visitor Center. Featuring Federal, State, Confederated Tribes of the Colville  Reservation, Nonprofits, Historians, Authors, & Volunteers Where: Dry Falls Visitor Center – Sun Lakes Dry Falls State Park 35661 HWY 17 North, Coulee City, WA 99115 Ice Age Floods Institute - Lower Grand Coulee Chapter and other Ice Age Flood Institute chapters from Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and Washington. The Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation will have historic photographs telling the  story and the history of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation. They will also share  the legends of the beautiful landscape of the Dry Falls area and surrounding landscape.  Dr. Karen Capuder - Anthropologist and Senior Archaeologist Colville Tribes, will share some of  the cultural and political history of the Colville Tribes, from time immemorial to the present day.  Grant County Historians/authors: Dan Bolyard & John M. Kemble – Dan Bolyard has been a lifelong Grant County Big Bend area resident and railroad historian. John M. Kemble is a local historian and explorer highlighting Dry Falls, Sun Lakes, Steamboat Rock, The Grand Coulee, and Banks Lake.  North Central Regional Library –April Harward, learn about the NCW Summer Library programs - captivating storytelling to engaging workshops and fun activities, everyone can unleash their unique voice and explore their passions.  National Park Service – Justin Radford, Program Manager for the Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail with a Mobile Interpretive Center showcasing the Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail, the Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area, and The Grand Coulee a National Natural Landmark.  Foster Creek & Columbia Basin Conservation Districts – programs on Shrub Steppe ecology, water resources, wildlife, and native vegetation. Washington Department of Wildlife – wildlife found in Eastern Washington as well as the enhancement and preservation work that is done in the Columbia Basin. Archeologist – Mark Amara, Kim Lancaster, and Kellie Green; representing the Cascadia Conservation District, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Their booth will highlight  the importance of historical artifacts, tools of the trade, and hands-on activity too. Bureau of Reclamation – will have an overview of the Columbia Basin Irrigation Project, and  the Grand Coulee Dam. Presentations: 10 am - 3 pm Where: inside/upstairs in the Dry Falls Visitor Center NPS Ranger Justin Radford Ranger David McWalter 10 am – 11 am: Justin Radford, Program Manager, NPS, Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail, will present an  overview of this unique geologic trail starting in Montana, through Idaho, Oregon, and  Washington. Interpretive Specialist, David McWalter, will present an overview of Washington's Ice Age Floods,  introduce the rugged terrain of eastern Washington that was shaped by floods of unimaginable  power during the last ice age, and share how the scientific views of the landscape have changed  over the last century.   11:30 am – 12:30 pm: WA DNR, Geologist Joel Gombiner will present an update on recent studies of Washington’s Ice  Age Floods and introduce a new lidar-based visualization of Dry Falls. 1 pm – 2 pm: WA State Parks, Interpretive Specialist 1, Sarah Overby will present "Brushstrokes: The  Colorful Story of Lichen". From rocks, trees, soil, and pretty much anything that will sit still long  enough, lichen will spring up in robust colonies. Crusty, leafy, or even… fuzzy? They paint beautiful  bright oranges and greens across the dark basalt rock and the branches of the sagebrush, but  what are they doing there? This 45-minute presentation aims to dive deeper into the complexities  of lichen and discuss its impact on ecosystems as well as its impact on us.  2:30 pm – 3:00 pm: Viewing of Bruce Bjornstad’s - "Ice Age Floodscapes" Bretz’ Great Cataract Group Primordial Potholes Coulee Grand Coulee – NW Exposures Dry Falls Deep Lake Potholes Dry Falls Visitor Center - weather station - up-to-date weather conditions at Dry Falls provided by the National Park Service. Watch a timelapse of the past 24 hours by clicking on the small photo, enlarge, press play, and enjoy!