Photos by Mike Salsbury/The Olympian
A Department of Natural Resources geologist examines a mysterious mass of mud and vegetation that appeared in Offut Lake after the Nisqually earthquake.

DNR geologist Pat Pringle collects foul-smelling gases that have been bubbling from the lake since the quake.

Malodorous goo rises from Offut Lake's inky depth

In wake of quake, something foul surfaces

JOHN DODGE, THE OLYMPIAN

THURSTON COUNTY -- Place this one in the geological weirdness file -- and not under the "pleasant" category.

Mats of mud, root wads and decomposed vegetation have appeared near the surface of Offut Lake in the wake of the 6.8 magnitude earthquake that rose out of the Nisqually Delta on Feb. 28.

Accompanying the muck is the odor of rotten eggs -- and the curiosity of lake residents and scientists alike.

It appears lake sediments and gases were dislodged during the earthquake and propelled to the water's surface, state Department of Natural Resources geologist Pat Pringle said after two visits to the site.

Pringle on Monday poked around on the lake's east end, examining the muck and collecting gas samples for analysis. The foul- smelling gases are indicative of hydrogen sulfide, which can be flammable and poisonous.

One mass appeared to be floating, another appeared to be sinking or still attached to the lake bottom.

"It's yet another weird effect from the earthquake," Pringle said. "I haven't seen anything like this in the scientific literature."

Becky Pogue, owner of Offut Lake Resort, said three of the large masses formed after the earthquake.

She's been out to look at them several times and lent boats to scientists interested in examining the odd features.

"I've learned something new every day," she said. "It's fascinating."

But Pogue also worries that the Offut Lake mud masses could pose a health and safety hazard.

The area is only accessible by boat.

Pringle agreed that boaters and anglers should steer clear of the area until more is known about the mud and gas masses.

Then again, they could dissipate soon. All of the masses are less visible than they were two weeks ago, Pogue said.

John Dodge covers the environment and energy for The Olympian. He can be reached at 754-5444.

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