New report classifies 18 U.S. volcanoes as 'very high threat'

There are 161 active volcanoes in the United States, and the U.S. Geological Survey says 18 of them pose a "very high threat."

The USGS released a report this week, its first since 2005, that assesses volcanic threats, with five categories: very low, low, moderate, high, and very high. Volcanoes were ranked based on activity levels and how close they are to major population centers. All the volcanoes are in the western portion of the U.S., and 11 of the very high threat volcanoes are in Washington, Oregon, and California, places where "explosive and often snow- and ice-covered edifices can project hazards long distances to densely populated and highly developed areas," the report said.

Five of the very high threat volcanoes are in Alaska and two are in Hawaii, including the most dangerous volcano: Kilauea on the Big Island, which has been erupting for months. The report isn't meant to predict the next major eruption, but rather to serve as an "indicator of the potential severity of impacts that may result from future eruptions at any given volcano," the USGS said. Since 1980, there have been 120 eruptions in the United States, volcano expert Janine Krippner told The Associated Press, making it "one of the most active countries in the world when it comes to volcanic activity."

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