Hi Kate - I seem to remember that the North side of Mt Rainier is most dangerous and weakened. But then again my memory has failed me once or twice!

What you mention is one of the biggest fears about this beautiful mountain - and its like an earthquake - no one really knows when it will happen - I think it might be possible that when the side does collapse that it could allow enough pressure off what's below to create a rather large event.

Here's a good reference on just the subject of slope stability and rockfalls at Rainier: http://www.geophys.washington.edu/USGS/DOCS/PROJECTS/rockfall.html

Canie

• Seismic Detection and Location of Debris Avalanches and Other Slope Movements