Final answer:
Mt. Rainier poses several hazards including landslides, lahars, explosive eruptions, and flooding, all of which can be catastrophic given the volcano's proximity to populated areas.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most likely hazards at Mt. Rainier include landslides, lahars (volcanic mudflows), pyroclastic flows, explosive eruptions, and flooding resulting from volcanic activity. This active stratovolcano has a significant amount of glacial ice, which can potentially melt during eruptions, leading to massive floods and lahars that can travel great distances. The danger of these hazards is amplified by the mountain’s close proximity to populated areas. History teaches us that a major eruption could lead to catastrophic outcomes, much like the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens, which caused extensive damage and fatalities. As such, scientists monitor the volcano closely to provide warnings and facilitate evacuations, if necessary.