You are standing in the aftermath of the volcanic destruction known as the Devastated Area. Late on the evening of May 19, 1915, a large steam explosion shattered the lava that filled Lassen Peak's crater the previous five days. Glowing blocks of hot lava fell on the summit and snow-covered upper flanks of the volcano. The impact touched off an avalanche of snow and lava rocks a lof-mile wide. It roared down the volcano's flank in front of you and continued up and over Emigrant Pass behind you, into Hat Creek Valley.

As the lava blocks broke into fragments, the snow melted, creating a mudflow of volcanic debris, called a lahar. Though with less force, the torrent rushed down the path of the avalanche and was deflected by Emigrant Pass into Lost Creek, sweeping through homesteads.