Pacific Northwest Seismograph Network's Bill Steele says the activity is normal. But he says scientists are watching the volcano a closer because of two quakes recorded Friday. The first was a 3.4 magnitude quake that struck west of the mountain near Ashford. It was followed about an hour later with a 2.9 magnitude quake under the volcano.
© Erik KlemettiA view of Washington's Mt. Rainier in the evening sun in 2005.
University of Washington emeritus professor Steve Malone says data shows at least seven earthquakes in two weeks. He says there are frequently earthquakes around Rainier, averaging several each month, and that recent activity shouldn't cause alarm.
The UW professor avoids to point out that most of the quakes have been around 1.5 magnitude and that a 3.4 and 2.9 have not been seen for a long time. If this volcano became active it would threaten a lot of nearby residents.