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NSC Volcano Watch: Mount St Helens
- Thread starter Marc
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ben andrews' girlfriend
Nurse Laura
St.George said:is there a real threat of this still erupting?
very very real threat!!!
brighton rock
New member
US volcano eruption 'imminent'
Calm before the storm - scientists say an eruption is imminent
A powerful tremor at Mount St Helens in US state of Washington indicates the volcano may erupt again very soon, scientists say.
Geologist detected tremors in the volcano's crater and higher levels of volcanic gases in the air.
The threat level remains at "volcano alert" - the highest eruption risk level, indicating there is a risk to life and property in the area.
The volcano erupted on Friday for the first time since 1986.
In 1980, a much stronger eruption killed 57 people.
Sunday's tremor, which lasted about 25 minutes, was gentler than a shuddering on Saturday, which continued for nearly an hour.
Degassed magma
Geologist say an eruption could occur within 24 hours but it will be on a far smaller scale than the 1980 eruption.
"Probably we will get to the point where we will either get explosions that admit certainly more ash than these last two have," said Willy Scott, a US Geological Survey geologist.
"Or it may be that we'll get some ashy emissions and then a sort of a plug of this degassed magma will get pushed up out of that venting."
Scientists have flown past the volcano to measure the gases it is giving off.
They believe new magma is entering the volcano's upper levels, and that the volatile gases it carries with it could lead to eruptions.
Seismic activity
They say that, for the first time, their instruments are detecting higher levels of carbon dioxide, which escapes as magma rises towards the surface from inside the earth.
The volcano's level of seismic activity has prompted officials to evacuate hundreds of visitors from the nearest visitor centre - the Johnston Ridge Observatory, five miles (8km) away.
Friday's eruption was the first since 1986
From a safe distance, hundreds of people had gathered to watch as the volcano shuddered and spewed into life.
"I just stare at it and stare at it. It's too awesome to leave," said 53-year-old Barbara Jardin of Camas.
On Friday, the volcano spewed a plume of steam and ash several thousands of feet into the sky.
When Mount St Helens erupted on 18 May 1980, the upper third of the mountain was blown off.
Gray ash buried towns and cities across the Pacific Northwest, and forests and meadows were devastated
web cam
Calm before the storm - scientists say an eruption is imminent
A powerful tremor at Mount St Helens in US state of Washington indicates the volcano may erupt again very soon, scientists say.
Geologist detected tremors in the volcano's crater and higher levels of volcanic gases in the air.
The threat level remains at "volcano alert" - the highest eruption risk level, indicating there is a risk to life and property in the area.
The volcano erupted on Friday for the first time since 1986.
In 1980, a much stronger eruption killed 57 people.
Sunday's tremor, which lasted about 25 minutes, was gentler than a shuddering on Saturday, which continued for nearly an hour.
Degassed magma
Geologist say an eruption could occur within 24 hours but it will be on a far smaller scale than the 1980 eruption.
"Probably we will get to the point where we will either get explosions that admit certainly more ash than these last two have," said Willy Scott, a US Geological Survey geologist.
"Or it may be that we'll get some ashy emissions and then a sort of a plug of this degassed magma will get pushed up out of that venting."
Scientists have flown past the volcano to measure the gases it is giving off.
They believe new magma is entering the volcano's upper levels, and that the volatile gases it carries with it could lead to eruptions.
Seismic activity
They say that, for the first time, their instruments are detecting higher levels of carbon dioxide, which escapes as magma rises towards the surface from inside the earth.
The volcano's level of seismic activity has prompted officials to evacuate hundreds of visitors from the nearest visitor centre - the Johnston Ridge Observatory, five miles (8km) away.
Friday's eruption was the first since 1986
From a safe distance, hundreds of people had gathered to watch as the volcano shuddered and spewed into life.
"I just stare at it and stare at it. It's too awesome to leave," said 53-year-old Barbara Jardin of Camas.
On Friday, the volcano spewed a plume of steam and ash several thousands of feet into the sky.
When Mount St Helens erupted on 18 May 1980, the upper third of the mountain was blown off.
Gray ash buried towns and cities across the Pacific Northwest, and forests and meadows were devastated
web cam
brighton rock
New member
U.S. Geological Survey, Vancouver, Washington
University of Washington, Pacific Northwest Seismograph Network, Seattle, Washington
Mount St. Helens Notice of Volcano Alert, October 2, 2004
A notice of Volcano Alert (Alert Level 3) was issued today at 2:00 p.m. PDT
Immediately after the small steam emission at 12:15, seismic activity changed from principally rock breakage events to continuous low-frequency tremor, which is indicative of magma movement. We are increasing the alert level to Volcano Alert the highest alert level indicating that an eruption could be imminent.
The cause and outcome of the accelerating unrest is uncertain. Explosions from the vent could occur suddenly and without further warning. During such explosions the dome and crater floor are at greatest risk from ballistic projectiles, but the rim of the crater and flanks of the volcano could also be at risk. Explosions would also be expected to produce ash clouds that rise several to tens of thousands of feet above the crater rim and drift downwind. Currently wind forecasts from the National Weather Service, combined with eruption models, show that ash clouds will move to the northwest. If ash emissions are large, drifting ash could affect downwind communities. Minor melting of the glacier could trigger debris flows from the crater that are large enough to reach the Pumice Plain. There is very low probability that downstream communities would be impacted by these hydrologic events. .
We continue to monitor the situation very closely and will issue additional updates as warranted, whether activity escalates or returns to background levels
University of Washington, Pacific Northwest Seismograph Network, Seattle, Washington
Mount St. Helens Notice of Volcano Alert, October 2, 2004
A notice of Volcano Alert (Alert Level 3) was issued today at 2:00 p.m. PDT
Immediately after the small steam emission at 12:15, seismic activity changed from principally rock breakage events to continuous low-frequency tremor, which is indicative of magma movement. We are increasing the alert level to Volcano Alert the highest alert level indicating that an eruption could be imminent.
The cause and outcome of the accelerating unrest is uncertain. Explosions from the vent could occur suddenly and without further warning. During such explosions the dome and crater floor are at greatest risk from ballistic projectiles, but the rim of the crater and flanks of the volcano could also be at risk. Explosions would also be expected to produce ash clouds that rise several to tens of thousands of feet above the crater rim and drift downwind. Currently wind forecasts from the National Weather Service, combined with eruption models, show that ash clouds will move to the northwest. If ash emissions are large, drifting ash could affect downwind communities. Minor melting of the glacier could trigger debris flows from the crater that are large enough to reach the Pumice Plain. There is very low probability that downstream communities would be impacted by these hydrologic events. .
We continue to monitor the situation very closely and will issue additional updates as warranted, whether activity escalates or returns to background levels
brighton rock
New member
Latest USGS Volcano Advisories
Overnight (about 3 a.m.) there was a harmonic tremor burst that lasted about 25 minutes. No eruptive plume was detected as a result of this tremor. Following the tremor, seismic activity dropped, but now is at a level similar to that before the tremor burst. Earthquakes are occurring at a rate of 1-2 per minute with maximum earthquake magnitudes of about M3. All earthquake locations remain shallow.
During yesterday’s gas flight, scientists saw an increase in the number of fumaroles on the lava dome and detected some carbon dioxide. The total amount awaits further data reduction. Scientists also reported intermittently the smell of hydrogen sulfide (rotten-egg smell) over the crater. Data from the GPS instruments on the outer flanks of the volcano show no significant changes. Results from the FLIR (thermal imagery) data to date show no significant thermal anomalies in the crater or on the dome. Scientists will be in the field today to harden GPS sites, do another FLIR flight, and conduct another gas flight.
The Unified Command will continue to monitor all information and coordinate among federal, state and local agencies to protect public safety.
Current road closures include State Route 504 starting at milepost 43 (Coldwater Lake-Hummocks Trail). This section of SR 504 will remain closed until the U.S. Forest Service indicates it is safe to reopen. The Johnston Ridge Observatory also remains closed. Road closures are in place to protect public safety, and represent the areas that officials believe are at risk.
Forest Road 81 north of Kalama Horse Camp is closed to its junction on the east with Cougar Mountain Snow Park. Also closed are the Climbers Bivouac, June Lake, Lava Canyon, Ape Canyon, Smith Creek Redcross Pass and Blue Lake trailheads.
The road and trails were closed because of the difficulty of alerting people in the backcountry should something happen, particularly during hunting season.
Forest officials closed the Windy Ridge viewpoint Friday on the east side of Mount St. Helens, four miles from the volcano’s crater, at the Cascade Peaks Restaurant and Gift Shop, approximately 5 miles east of Windy Ridge on Forest Road 99. Three hiking trails on the north side of the crater were closed Sunday, along with climbing above the 4,800-foot level on the volcano
Overnight (about 3 a.m.) there was a harmonic tremor burst that lasted about 25 minutes. No eruptive plume was detected as a result of this tremor. Following the tremor, seismic activity dropped, but now is at a level similar to that before the tremor burst. Earthquakes are occurring at a rate of 1-2 per minute with maximum earthquake magnitudes of about M3. All earthquake locations remain shallow.
During yesterday’s gas flight, scientists saw an increase in the number of fumaroles on the lava dome and detected some carbon dioxide. The total amount awaits further data reduction. Scientists also reported intermittently the smell of hydrogen sulfide (rotten-egg smell) over the crater. Data from the GPS instruments on the outer flanks of the volcano show no significant changes. Results from the FLIR (thermal imagery) data to date show no significant thermal anomalies in the crater or on the dome. Scientists will be in the field today to harden GPS sites, do another FLIR flight, and conduct another gas flight.
The Unified Command will continue to monitor all information and coordinate among federal, state and local agencies to protect public safety.
Current road closures include State Route 504 starting at milepost 43 (Coldwater Lake-Hummocks Trail). This section of SR 504 will remain closed until the U.S. Forest Service indicates it is safe to reopen. The Johnston Ridge Observatory also remains closed. Road closures are in place to protect public safety, and represent the areas that officials believe are at risk.
Forest Road 81 north of Kalama Horse Camp is closed to its junction on the east with Cougar Mountain Snow Park. Also closed are the Climbers Bivouac, June Lake, Lava Canyon, Ape Canyon, Smith Creek Redcross Pass and Blue Lake trailheads.
The road and trails were closed because of the difficulty of alerting people in the backcountry should something happen, particularly during hunting season.
Forest officials closed the Windy Ridge viewpoint Friday on the east side of Mount St. Helens, four miles from the volcano’s crater, at the Cascade Peaks Restaurant and Gift Shop, approximately 5 miles east of Windy Ridge on Forest Road 99. Three hiking trails on the north side of the crater were closed Sunday, along with climbing above the 4,800-foot level on the volcano
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Deportivo Seagull
I should coco
Went to Mount St Helens last November ... somewhere there is a BHAFC woolly hat that I manage to drop ..Doh. Glorious place and I can see why people would live there, in the exhibition centre they show a film of the original explosion, not nice !
Rangdo
Registered Cider Drinker
Will we get it live on News 24?
brighton rock
New member
Rangdo
Registered Cider Drinker
Cool. Cheers BR. Only thing is that you could sit there for ages and nothing happens. If it's on the news you know it's major. That sounds really bad. Oh well.
brighton rock
New member
U.S. Geological Survey, Vancouver, Washington
University of Washington, Pacific Northwest Seismograph Network, Seattle, Washington
Mount St. Helens Update 5 October 2004 7:00 A.M.
Current status is Volcano Alert (Alert Level 3); aviation color code RED
Yesterday visitors to Mount St. Helens witnessed a 30-minute-long steam-and-ash emission starting at 9:43 a.m. PDT and a 10- minute-long steam-and-ash emission starting at 14:10 p.m. PDT. The larger one dusted roads to the the SE of the volcano with ash. Maximum thickness of the ash at 8 km (about 5 miles) was 0.2 mm (less than 1/8 of an inch). Neither event generated earthquakes or an explosion signal. We infer that hot rock was pushed up into the glacier, melted ice, and generated the steam. Part of the vent for yesterday’s and other steam and ash emissions of the past few days is now covered by a bubbling lake. Since yesterday's emissions, earthquake energy has slowly increased to previous high values.
Visual observations show that the area of uplift, which includes part of the glacier and a nearby segment of the south flank of the lava dome, continues to rise. Thermal surveys of the dome confirms the deformation. Hot cracks (40-50° C; about 100-120° F, well below magmatic temperatures) in the dome are opening, and dome rocks are avalanching off the dome into the lake and onto the south crater floor. The north flank of the dome appears thermally stable.
Yesterday’s gas-sensing flight detected carbon dioxide, often in association with hydrogen sulfide peaks and occasional sulphur dioxide peaks, at numerous sites around the dome and crater floor.
Today field crews will take additional thermal images of the dome and crater, conduct gas-sensing and geologic-observation flights, and continue hardening GPS sites. Two additional GPS stations were lowered by helicopter onto the 1980-86 lava dome yesterday to aid in measuring deformation of the dome.
Wind forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), combined with eruption models, show that morning winds will are from the south and west and any ash clouds will drift northward and easterly.
We continue to monitor the situation closely and will issue additional updates and Alert Level changes as warranted.
Press conferences will continue to be held at the Headquarters office of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The morning press conference is at 9:30 AM.
University of Washington, Pacific Northwest Seismograph Network, Seattle, Washington
Mount St. Helens Update 5 October 2004 7:00 A.M.
Current status is Volcano Alert (Alert Level 3); aviation color code RED
Yesterday visitors to Mount St. Helens witnessed a 30-minute-long steam-and-ash emission starting at 9:43 a.m. PDT and a 10- minute-long steam-and-ash emission starting at 14:10 p.m. PDT. The larger one dusted roads to the the SE of the volcano with ash. Maximum thickness of the ash at 8 km (about 5 miles) was 0.2 mm (less than 1/8 of an inch). Neither event generated earthquakes or an explosion signal. We infer that hot rock was pushed up into the glacier, melted ice, and generated the steam. Part of the vent for yesterday’s and other steam and ash emissions of the past few days is now covered by a bubbling lake. Since yesterday's emissions, earthquake energy has slowly increased to previous high values.
Visual observations show that the area of uplift, which includes part of the glacier and a nearby segment of the south flank of the lava dome, continues to rise. Thermal surveys of the dome confirms the deformation. Hot cracks (40-50° C; about 100-120° F, well below magmatic temperatures) in the dome are opening, and dome rocks are avalanching off the dome into the lake and onto the south crater floor. The north flank of the dome appears thermally stable.
Yesterday’s gas-sensing flight detected carbon dioxide, often in association with hydrogen sulfide peaks and occasional sulphur dioxide peaks, at numerous sites around the dome and crater floor.
Today field crews will take additional thermal images of the dome and crater, conduct gas-sensing and geologic-observation flights, and continue hardening GPS sites. Two additional GPS stations were lowered by helicopter onto the 1980-86 lava dome yesterday to aid in measuring deformation of the dome.
Wind forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), combined with eruption models, show that morning winds will are from the south and west and any ash clouds will drift northward and easterly.
We continue to monitor the situation closely and will issue additional updates and Alert Level changes as warranted.
Press conferences will continue to be held at the Headquarters office of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The morning press conference is at 9:30 AM.
Vankleek Hill Seagull
Well-known member
Looks pretty good at the moment.
mejonaNO12 aka riskit
Well-known member
bang!
brighton rock
New member
this picture will also update every 10 minuets
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Gazwag
5 millionth post poster
He is one from above
tedebear
Legal Alien
cool photo - I lived just above the yellow dot above the word Mt....
brighton rock
New member
how many miles from st helens
tedebear
Legal Alien
not exactly sure - it was a twon called Ellensburg in the Kittitas valley - they got covered in ash from the 85 eruption apparently.... I was there in 90 for a couple of years....my Dad did a degree at the University of Central Washington!!