Overview

• USGS reports Mount St. Helens remains at Alert Level NORMAL and Aviation Color Code GREEN with no signs of renewed volcanic activity.
• Gusty east to southeast winds lifted decades-old ash from the volcano’s slopes and crater and carried it west‑northwest, producing visible plumes on webcams and satellite imagery.
• Commercial pilots reported ash in the vicinity, with tops near 10,000 feet, prompting caution for flight operations in the region.
• Forecasters cited a thermal trough and very dry conditions, including recent rainfall below 25% of normal, with local gusts estimated at 30–50 mph aiding the lofting.
• Meteorologists expected the easterly winds to ease later Tuesday, allowing the ash to settle and air quality and visibility to improve.