Mt. Fitzherbert

More aerial views taken 2006-May-31

Recent observations: The volcano is clear and free of visible fuming this morning. Field crews yesterday measured gas emission, did a survey of temperature at the dome, installed 6 global positioning stations on the flanks of the volcano, and examined deposits of Monday’s large rockfall. Gas emission and thermal character of the dome are similar to those measured in recent months. The rockfall on Monday generated an avalanche, now visible from the north as a dark tongue, that came from the east side of the growing spine (sometimes called “the fin”), descended northward around the east side of the 80s dome and down onto the amphitheater floor next to the east arm of the crater glacier. Ash associated with the avalanche lightly dusted the volcano’s upper northeast flank. Seismicity and repeat photographs from remote cameras show that the spine continues to grow. The growing spine is now sufficiently steep and fractured that a rockfall- avalanche similar in size to that of Monday is possible within the next week or so. Such an event could generate an ash plume that would rise above the crater rim and drift downwind.

Posted by Raoul Ortega at 12:30 | Permalink

Aerial views taken on 2006-May-30

Posted by Raoul Ortega at 16:25 | Permalink

Remote views taken 2006-May-29

Recent observations: A crew in the crater this morning reports that yesterday’s large rockfall came mostly from the north side of the growing spine (sometimes called “the fin”), and a smaller amount came from the south side. The rock avalanche resulting from the collapse on the north side flowed down the gully between the 1980-1986 dome and the east arm of the glacier, and partly across the east flank of the 1980-1986 dome. The associated dust cloud flowed farther northward and eastward, but did not extend much beyond the northeast flank of the 1980-1986 dome. Snowmelt from the hot avalanche percolated quickly into the remaining snow pack. Steam and a small amount of dust from the rockfall rose above the crater rim and left a thin deposit on the volcano’s upper northeast flank. Two monitoring instruments on the 1980-1986 dome were damaged by the event and will be replaced. Photos from remote cameras show that extrusion of the spine is continuing.

Posted by Raoul Ortega at 11:45 | Permalink

• Steam and ash plume rises above Mount St. Helens 2006-May-29 11:21 KING (ch.5) Seattle

  VANCOUVER, Wash. - A 3.1 earthquake occurred near Mount St. Helens on Monday morning. The quake, at 9:08 a.m., was accompanied by a steam and ash plume. Airline pilots estimated the plume rose to 16,000-20,000 feet.

  The National Weather Service issued an ashfall advisory, in effect until noon.

  Carolyn Driedger with USGS said it looked as though some parts of the new dome and fin have collapsed, though it was not known if the quake caused the collapse or the collapse caused the quake.

Posted by Raoul Ortega at 18:37 | Permalink

Recent observations: At 9:08 a.m. PDT (1608 UTC) a large rockfall from the growing lava dome corresponded with a magnitude 3.1 earthquake, sending a flow of rock and dust from the new dome. Pilots reported a plume to 16,000 to 20,000 feet. Remote camera views from six minutes after the event showed mostly steam and minor ash plumes in the crater. There is no evidence of an explosion associated with this event. Events such as this are expected during lava dome growth. Weather permitting, scientists will be in the field later this week.

Posted by Raoul Ortega at 18:26 | Permalink

Potential ash hazards: Wind forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), coupled with eruption models, show that any ash clouds that rise above the crater rim today would drift east to southeastward early shifting to southeastward by afternoon.

Recent observations: Clouds preclude visual observations of Mount St. Helens this morning. Seismicity at the volcano remains at levels typical of the past few weeks.

Posted by Raoul Ortega at 09:09 | Permalink

Potential ash hazards: Wind forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), coupled with eruption models, show that any ash clouds that rise above the crater rim today would drift southeastward.

Recent observations: Once again, clouds completely obscure Mount St. Helens in views from the Johnston Ridge Observatory VolcanoCam. Some clearing is forecast in the coming week’s weather, which may allow for visual observations. Seismicity at the volcano remains at levels typical of the past few weeks.

Posted by Raoul Ortega at 10:39 | Permalink

Potential ash hazards: Wind forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), coupled with eruption models, show that any ash clouds that rise above the crater rim today would drift south to southwestward early shifting to southeastward by afternoon.

Recent observations: Clouds preclude visual observations of the volcano this morning. Seismicity at the volcano remains at levels typical of the past few weeks. A magnitude 2.3 earthquake occurred at 3:22 p.m. PDT (2222 UTC) yesterday.

Posted by Raoul Ortega at 13:23 | Permalink

Potential ash hazards: Wind forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), coupled with eruption models, show that any ash clouds that rise above the crater rim today would drift northeastward.

Recent observations: The upper flanks of the volcano are receiving fresh snow this morning as another storm system moves through the Northwest, precluding visual observations from remote cameras. Seismicity at the volcano remains at levels typical of the past several months, however the number and magnitude of earthquakes have increased slightly over the past few weeks. This increase is not unusual and is within the realm of seismic activity observed over the past year. An earthquake about M2.9 occurred at 8:48 p.m. PDT (0348 UTC).

Posted by Raoul Ortega at 11:10 | Permalink

Potential ash hazards: Wind forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), coupled with eruption models, show that any ash clouds that rise above the crater rim today would drift northeastward.

Recent observations: The upper flanks of the volcano can occasionally be seen peeking through the clouds this morning on the Johnston Ridge Observatory VolcanoCam. Seismicity at the volcano remains at levels typical of the past several weeks with smaller “drumbeat” earthquakes every few minutes and intermittent larger events. An earthquake greater than M2.0 occurred at 7:17 a.m. PDT (1417 UTC). Views from remote crater cameras show continued dome growth and sizeable rockfalls from the actively growing dome.

Posted by Raoul Ortega at 11:38 | Permalink

Potential ash hazards: Wind forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), coupled with eruption models, show that any ash clouds that rise above the crater rim today would drift northward to north-northeastward.

Recent observations: Once again, the volcano is mostly obscured by clouds as spring rains saturate the Pacific Northwest. Seismicity at the volcano remains at levels typical of the past several weeks as the extrusion of dacite lava continues.

Posted by Raoul Ortega at 11:42 | Permalink

Potential ash hazards: Wind forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), coupled with eruption models, show that any ash clouds that rise above the crater rim today would drift northward to north-northeastward.

Recent observations: The volcano is completely obscured by clouds this morning as another weather system moves through the Pacific Northwest. Remote camera views through intermittent breaks in the clouds show that the lava spine continues to grow taller even as its margins crumble. Seismicity at the volcano remains at levels typical of the past several weeks.

Posted by Raoul Ortega at 10:56 | Permalink

Potential ash hazards: Wind forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), coupled with eruption models, show that any ash clouds that rise above the crater rim today would drift northward to north-northeastward.

Recent observations: The volcano is obscured today as a weather system moves through the area. The lava spine continues to grow accompanied periodically by rockfalls that can generate small ash clouds that rise above the crater rim. Seismicity at the volcano remains at levels typical of the past several weeks. Two earthquakes, both greater than M6.0 from the Koryakia area and the Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia, are seen on the PNSN volcano and regional webicorders plots at about 04:20 a.m. and 06:16 a.m. PDT, respectively.

Posted by Raoul Ortega at 09:43 | Permalink

Potential ash hazards: Wind forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), coupled with eruption models, show that any ash clouds that rise above the crater rim today would drift north-northeastward to northward.

Recent observations: The upper parts of the volcano, including the crater, are partially obscured by clouds today. The lava spine continues to grow, accompanied periodically by rockfalls and moderate-size rock avalanches. Seismicity and motion of the west part of the new dome remain at levels typical of the past few days. Rockfalls and avalanches caused by the growing spine can generate ash clouds that rise above the crater rim.

Posted by Raoul Ortega at 14:13 | Permalink

Potential ash hazards: Wind forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), coupled with eruption models, show that any ash clouds that rise above the crater rim today would drift northward to northeastward.

Recent observations: The crater is mostly clear today as seen on the USFS's VolcanoCam web page, although some weather clouds are drifting around the crater rim and a small steam plume appears to be emanating from the growing lava dome. Lava dome growth continues to be accompanied periodically by rockfalls, some of which may generate small ash clouds that rise above the crater rim. Seismicity remains at levels typical of the past few days, with the largest event (greater than M2.0) in the past 24 hours occurring today around 08:51 a.m. PDT.

Posted by Raoul Ortega at 14:16 | Permalink

Potential ash hazards: Wind forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), coupled with eruption models, show that any ash clouds that rise above the crater rim today would drift northeastward.

Recent observations: The lava spine continues to grow, accompanied periodically by rockfalls, which may generate small ash clouds that rise above the crater rim. The rockfalls expose hotter interior portions of the lava dome, which in nighttime images appear as a bright spot or flash. Several bright spots are seen in last night’s images, especially around 4:20 am PDT at the time of a vigorous rockfall signal. Seismicity remains at levels typical of the past few days.

Posted by Raoul Ortega at 11:57 | Permalink

Potential ash hazards: Wind forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), coupled with eruption models, show that any ash clouds that rise above the crater rim today would drift northeastward.

Recent observations: Clear weather today should provide wonderful views into the crater on this 26th anniversary of the 18 May 1980 eruption. The lava spine continues to grow, accompanied periodically by rockfalls, which may generate ash clouds that rise above the crater rim. Seisimicity remains at levels typical of the past few days, with no earthquakes greater than M2.0 in the past 24 hours.

Posted by Raoul Ortega at 10:07 | Permalink

• Volcano cooking up a mystery 2006-May-18 from the Seattle Post-Intellegencer

  Scientists believe Mount St. Helens will erupt today, the 26th anniversary of the explosive eruption that produced the world's largest known landslide, killed 57 people and launched a new era in volcanology.

  "It's been erupting almost continuously since late 2004," said Tom Pierson, a U.S. Geological Survey researcher at the Cascades Volcano Observatory in Vancouver. So it's a good bet it will also erupt today, Pierson said.

  The real question that's "driving everyone nuts" in the volcano-watching research community, he said, is what's causing this period of eruption -- and if its peculiarities indicate the mountain is building pressure for another explosive event.

  Unlike the massive, catastrophic blast of 1980, the current eruption on St. Helens is slowly, steadily pushing up a relatively cool and solid column of lava rock, or magma.

Posted by Raoul Ortega at 06:41 | Permalink

Potential ash hazards: Wind forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), coupled with eruption models, show that any ash clouds that rise above the crater rim today would drift northeastward.

Recent observations: The lava spine continues to grow, accompanied periodically by rockfalls and moderate-size rock avalanches. At night incandescence associated with hot rockfalls may be visible. The west part of the new dome continues to deform as fresh lava extrudes from the vent. Seisimicity remains at levels typical of the past few days. Large rockfalls and avalanches caused by the growing spine can generate ash clouds that rise above the crater rim.

Posted by Raoul Ortega at 11:45 | Permalink

More recent spine views

Recent observations: The spine in the middle of the lava-dome complex continues to grow, accompanied periodically by rockfalls and moderate-size rock avalanches. Seismicity and motion of the west part of the new dome remain at levels typical of the past few days. Rockfalls and avalanches caused by the growing spine can generate ash clouds that rise above the crater rim.

Posted by Raoul Ortega at 13:45 | Permalink

Potential ash hazards: Wind forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), coupled with eruption models, show that any ash clouds that rise above the crater rim today would drift north-northwestward in the morning and north-northeastward later in the day.

Recent observations: The growing lava spine continues to generate rockfalls. On Saturday night, just before 11 pm PDT, one of the larger earthquakes that typically occur once or twice per day was accompanied by a substantial amount of rockfall. An image taken by a remote camera on the crater rim about 20 minutes after the event shows that glowing hot rock debris had been delivered to the talus aprons that flank the steep north and south margins of the spine. A glow was also detected on satellite imagery monitored by other federal agencies. Rockfall events such as the one on Saturday night are commonly accompanied by ash clouds.

Posted by Raoul Ortega at 10:21 | Permalink

Potential ash hazards: Wind forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), coupled with eruption models, show that any ash clouds that rise above the crater rim today would drift north-northeastward to northeastward.

Recent observations: The growing lava spine continues to generate rockfalls. Last night, just before 11 pm PDT, one of the larger earthquakes that typically occur once or twice per day was accompanied by a substantial amount of rockfall. An image taken by a remote camera on the crater rim about 20 minutes after the event shows that glowing hot rock debris had been delivered to the talus aprons that flank the steep north and south margins of the spine. Such events are likely accompanied by ash clouds; VolcanoCam images show a small ash cloud produced by a rockfall about 8:30 am PDT this morning.

Posted by Raoul Ortega at 10:28 | Permalink

Photo of new growth taken
on 2006-May-12.

Recent observations: The weather this weekend looks promising for a visit to the National Volcanic Monument with good viewing conditions. Small rockfalls continue from the growing lava dome following last Sunday night’s major rock avalanche. We’ve received numerous questions about why the seismic signal that accompanied that avalanche isn’t in the list of recent earthquakes and given a magnitude. The answer is that it wasn’t a simple earthquake. It was a complex event with multiple pulses, so it can’t be compared with typical earthquakes.

Posted by Raoul Ortega at 12:51 | Permalink

Potential ash hazards: Wind forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), coupled with eruption models, show that any ash clouds that rise above the crater rim today would drift eastward.

Recent observations: The volcano is obscured by clouds this morning, but the weather this weekend looks promising for a visit to the National Volcanic Monument with good viewing conditions. Small rockfalls continue from the growing lava dome following last Sunday night’s major rock avalanche. We’ve received numerous questions about why the seismic signal that accompanied the avalanche isn’t in the list of recent earthquakes and given a magnitude. The answer is that it wasn’t a simple earthquake. It was a complex event with multiple pulses, so it can’t be compared with typical earthquakes.

Posted by Raoul Ortega at 10:11 | Permalink

Views taken on 2006-May-10

Recent observations: The volcano is obscured by clouds today. Recent photographs from remote cameras shows that a slab of rock about 70 meters (230 feet) long fell from the north margin of the growing lava fin or spine sometime during the past weekend, probably coincident with a large seismic signal recorded at 9:14 pm PDT Sunday night. The resulting rock-avalanche deposit extends a couple of hundred meters (couple of hundred yards) to the northeast into a depression formed between the new and old lava domes and the east arm of the glacier; an ash cloud accompanying the avalanche left deposits over a broader area . Photographs will be available on our web site later today. Additional smaller rockfalls and avalanches continue.

Update: 11:48

Added photo link

Posted by Raoul Ortega at 10:43 | Permalink

Potential ash hazards: Wind forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), coupled with eruption models, show that any ash clouds that rise above the crater rim today would drift broadly northward at low altitudes and east-southeastward at higher altitudes early in the day. Later in the day any ash clouds would drift east-northeastward.

Recent observations: Analysis of recent photographs from remote cameras shows that a slab of rock about 70 meters (230 feet) long fell from the north margin of the growing lava fin or spine sometime during this past weekend. The volume lost was about 50,000 cubic meters (65,000 cubic yards). We think that this event coincided with a large seismic signal recorded at 9:14 pm PDT Sunday night. The volcano was obscured by clouds at that time. The resulting rock-avalanche deposit extends a couple hundred meters (couple hundred yards) to the northeast into a depression formed between the new and old lava domes and the east arm of the glacier. The avalanche was accompanied by an ash cloud that flowed over a broader area. Photographs will be available on our web site tomorrow. Additional smaller rockfalls and avalanches continue.

Posted by Raoul Ortega at 10:51 | Permalink

Potential ash hazards: Wind forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), coupled with eruption models, show that any ash clouds that rise above the crater rim today would drift principally to the southeast.

Recent observations: Seismicity and motion of the west part of the new dome remain at levels typical of the past few days. Weather forecast calls for mostly sunny skies for the next few days, so the crater is likely to be visible from Johnston Ridge Observatory.

Posted by Raoul Ortega at 16:35 | Permalink

Potential ash hazards: Wind forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), coupled with eruption models, show that any ash clouds that rise above the crater rim today would drift principally to the southeast.

Recent observations: Seismicity and motion of the west part of the new dome remain at levels typical of the past few days. Low clouds are obscuring views of the crater from Johnston Ridge Observatory this morning, but forecasts call for clearing this afternoon and mostly sunny skies for the next few days.

Posted by Raoul Ortega at 09:12 | Permalink

Potential ash hazards: Wind forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), coupled with eruption models, show that any ash clouds that rise above the crater rim today would drift principally to the east.

Recent observations: The eruption continues. Seismicity and motion of the west part of the new dome remain at levels typical of the past several days. Views of the crater from the U.S. Forest Service’s Johnston Ridge Observatory and from cameras on the crater rim and floor are obscured by clouds this morning. Forecasts call for cloudy weather today and though bothersome when trying to see Mount St. Helens, it should start clearing Monday. Next week should provide some excellent views of the eruption site from Johnston Ridge Observatory.

Posted by Raoul Ortega at 11:51 | Permalink

Potential ash hazards: Wind forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), coupled with eruption models, show that any ash clouds that rise above the crater rim today would drift principally to the east or southeast.

Recent observations: The eruption continues. Seismicity and motion of the west part of the new dome remain at levels typical of the past few days. Views of the crater from the U.S. Forest Service’s Johnston Ridge Observatory and from cameras on the crater rim and floor are obscured by clouds this morning. Forecasts call for cloudy weather again tomorrow, with clearing starting on Monday. Next week should provide some excellent views of the eruption site from Johnston Ridge Observatory.

Posted by Raoul Ortega at 08:00 | Permalink

Views taken on 2006-May-04

Posted by Raoul Ortega at 16:41 | Permalink

Potential ash hazards: Wind forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), coupled with eruption models, show that any ash clouds that rise above the crater rim today would drift principally to the northwest early in the day, shifting to northeast later in the day.

Recent observations: The dome-building eruption that began in October 2004 continues at the same pace as in recent days, accompanied by low background levels of seismicity and other eruption indicators. A GPS instrument on the new dome west of the vent continues to move westward nearly 1 meter (3 feet) per day. Field crews had a successful day at the volcano yesterday. Three of four time-lapse cameras on the crater rim or floor are again operational, returning images that show continued growth of the active part of the new lava dome. A fourth camera remains buried in a snow cornice on the south crater rim. Scientists collected another rock sample from the vent area and measured emission rates of volcanic gases. Preliminary analyses indicate no significant changes from past trends.

Posted by Raoul Ortega at 09:00 | Permalink

• Rock slab growing at Mount St. Helens 2006-May-04 17:16 from The Seattle Times

  If the skies are clear as forecast, volcano watchers who turn out for the reopening of the Johnston Ridge Observatory on Friday will get a spectacular view of a hulking slab of rock that's rapidly growing in Mount St. Helens' crater.

  It's jutting up from one of seven lobes of fresh volcanic rock that have been pushing their way through the surface of the crater since October 2004.

  The fin-shaped mass is about 300 feet tall and growing 4 feet to 5 feet a day, though it occasionally loses height from rockfalls off its tip, said Dan Dzurisin, a geologist at the U.S. Geological Survey.

  also in
  The Seattle Post-Intellegencer
  KOMO (ch.4) Seattle

Posted by Raoul Ortega at 17:25 | Permalink

Potential ash hazards: Wind forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), coupled with eruption models, show that any ash clouds that rise above the crater rim today would drift principally to the southwest.

Recent observations: The volcano’s eruptive behavior remains quiescent and unchanged. Seismicity and other eruption indicators remain at low background levels, and dome growth continues at roughly the same pace as in recent weeks. Lava continues to emerge from the vent at a rate of 1-2 meters per day. A GPS instrument on the new dome west of the vent continues to advance westward. Clear weather is providing good views of the volcano from Johnston Ridge today, and it is forecast to continue through Friday. Field work consisting of site maintenance and observations and routine measurements is planned for today.

Posted by Raoul Ortega at 09:01 | Permalink

Potential ash hazards: Wind forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), coupled with eruption models, show that any ash clouds that rise above the crater rim today would drift principally to the east and southeast.

Recent observations: Views of the volcano from Johnston Ridge have been mostly obscured by low clouds this morning, although skies are forecast to clear as the day proceeds. The volcano’s eruptive behavior remains quiescent and unchanged. The extruding new dome continues to advance westward at a rate of about one meter per day, and very small earthquakes continue to occur roughly once each several minutes.

Posted by Raoul Ortega at 11:27 | Permalink

Potential ash hazards: Wind forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), coupled with eruption models, show that any ash clouds that rise above the crater rim today would drift principally to the east and southeast.

Recent observations: Views of the volcano from Johnston Ridge have been mostly obscured by low clouds this morning, although skies are forecast to clear as the day proceeds. The volcano’s eruptive behavior remains quiescent and unchanged. The extruding new dome continues to advance westward at a rate of about one meter per day, and very small earthquakes continue to occur roughly once each several minutes.

Posted by Raoul Ortega at 08:47 | Permalink