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Mount St. Helens Plumes Are Wind-Whipped 1980 Ash, Not An Eruption

Officials attribute visible plumes to wind-lofted ash from 1980 deposits.

Overview

  • USGS and the National Weather Service say the volcano remains at background activity with Alert Level NORMAL and Aviation Color Code GREEN.
  • Strong easterly–southeasterly winds lifted decades-old material from the crater and slopes, a phenomenon observed during dry, snow-free conditions.
  • Pilot reports and satellite and webcam imagery indicated ash rose to roughly 10,000 feet near the mountain.
  • Authorities warn the resuspended particles are hazardous to aircraft and can affect air quality, though they do not signal renewed volcanic activity.
  • Ash seen in Greater Victoria was assessed by Canadian officials and USGS as wildfire residue from the Bear Gulch area rather than volcanic fallout.