Rainier Mesa is one of four major nuclear test regions within the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS).[1] It occupies approximately 40 square miles (100 km2) along the northern edge of the NNSS and corresponds to Area 12.[1][2]
The Rainier Mesa area consists of both Rainier Mesa proper and the contiguous Aqueduct Mesa.[3]
At 7,680 feet (2,340 m), the top of Rainier Mesa is the highest elevation within the NNSS.[2]
Area 12 held 61 nuclear tests between 1957 and 1992, one of which involved two detonations.[1] All tests were conducted below Rainier and Aqueduct mesas.[3]
Area 12 was the primary location for tunnel tests and used almost exclusively for that purpose.[nb 1] The tunnel complexes mined into Rainier and Aqueduct Mesa include the B-, C-, D-, E-, F-, G-, I-, J-, K-, N-, P-, and T-tunnel complexes, and Q- and R- shafts.[2]
There has been some concern that Rainier Mesa is exhibiting signs of tired mountain syndrome, due to the number of nuclear detonations that have occurred at the site.[4]
The Area 12 Camp was renovated and upgraded and provides a secure base camp for military units and other government agencies for conducting counter-terrorism and other exercises in the northern region of the NNSS. It provides an urban terrain setting utilizing existing commercial, residential, and industrial buildings. The camp includes 200 dormitory rooms, a cafeteria, weapons and munitions storage, and numerous operations and support buildings.[2] The Office of Secure Transportation uses it as a training facility.[2][5]
