Mt. Fitzherbert

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

Recent observations: No significant changes in seismicity or ground deformation have been detected in the past 24 hours, and seismicity remains generally low.A shallow earthquake of magnitude 3.6 shook occurred at 2:34 AM PDT this morning and was accompanied by rockfalls from the growing lava dome.

Posted by Raoul Ortega at 09:29 | Permalink

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

Recent observations: No significant changes in seismicity or ground deformation have been detected in the past 24 hours, and seismicity remains generally low.

Posted by Raoul Ortega at 10:13 | Permalink

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

Recent observations: No significant changes in seismicity or ground deformation have been detected in the past 24 hours, and seismicity remains generally low. Fine weather and clear morning views of the volcano and crater make today a good choice for viewing the growing dome from Johnston Ridge Observatory.

Posted by Raoul Ortega at 10:32 | Permalink

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

Recent observations: No significant changes in seismicity or ground deformation have been detected in the past 24 hours, and seismicity remains generally low. A magnitude 3.3 earthquake yesterday at 4:42 PM and a magnitude 3.1 earthquake yesterday at 6:58 PM generated rockfalls and associated small ash clouds. The ash clouds rose just above the crater rim and quickly dissipated. The U.S. Geological Survey and the University of Washington continue to monitor the situation closely and will issue additional updates and changes in alert level as warranted.

Posted by Raoul Ortega at 10:07 | Permalink

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

Recent observations: No significant changes in seismicity or ground deformation have been detected in the past 24 hours, and seismicity remains generally low.

Posted by Raoul Ortega at 10:34 | Permalink

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

Recent observations: No significant changes in seismicity or ground deformation have been detected in the past 24 hours, and seismicity remains generally low. Two minor earthquakes in excess of magnitude 3 occurred yesterday with associated rockfalls from the erupting lava dome. Images from cameras on the crater rim revealed the extent of recent changes on the dome.

Posted by Raoul Ortega at 10:18 | Permalink

Crater views from last few days

Recent observations: No significant changes in seismicity or ground deformation have been detected in the past 24 hours, and seismicity remains generally low. A magnitude 3.1 earthquake this morning at 5:32 AM generated a rockfall and associated ash cloud that quickly dissipated. Although low clouds in the Portland/Vancouver area block distant views of the volcano this morning, the view from Johnston Ridge Observatory is clear and permits good views of the growing lava dome.

Posted by Raoul Ortega at 08:48 | Permalink

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

Recent observations: No significant changes in seismicity or ground deformation have been detected in the past 24 hours, and seismicity remains generally low. Last Friday’s gas-sensing flight detected typically low values of volcanic gases, but final results await further analysis. Another clear day permits good views of the growing lava dome with occasional rockfalls producing small clouds of ash.

Posted by Raoul Ortega at 10:15 | Permalink

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

Recent observations: Clear skies afford excellent views of the crater and growing lava dome this morning, and wispy steam plumes have been rising from the dome. Sporadic rockfalls continue to produce small amounts of ash and dust. No significant changes in seismicity or ground deformation have been detected in the past 24 hours, and seismicity remains generally low.

Posted by Raoul Ortega at 12:14 | Permalink

Potential Ash Hazards: Wind forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), coupled with eruption models, show that any ash clouds rising above the crater rim today would drift westward at low altitudes and north-northeastward at higher altitudes. Later in the day, any ash clouds rising above the crater rim would drift southward at low altitudes and north-northeastward at higher altitudes.

Recent observations: The crater and growing lava dome are clear this morning under high clouds. Rockfalls from the growing lava dome continue to produce small amounts of ash and dust. A magnitude 2.9 earthquake last night shortly after 10 p.m. PDT was accompanied by a bright flash on the U.S. Forest Service's VolcanoCam that was likely caused by a rock fall. No significant changes in seismicity or ground deformation have been detected overnight. Yesterday crews surveyed stream channels on the Pumice Plain, placed two GPS spiders on the west arm of the glacier, and conducted a gas-sensing flight.

Posted by Raoul Ortega at 14:21 | Permalink

Potential Ash Hazards: Wind forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), coupled with eruption models, show that any ash clouds rising above the crater rim today would drift westward to northward at low altitudes and north-northeastward at higher altitudes. Later in the day, any ash clouds rising above the crater rim would drift northward to northeastward.

Recent observations: A clear day greets the first day of reopening of the south-flank climbing trail. Hot dry winds are stirring up ash in the crater and upper flanks and creating hazy conditions this morning. Rockfalls from the growing lava dome continue to produce small amounts of ash and dust. No significant changes in seismicity or ground deformation have been detected recently. Crews are in the field today to survey stream channels on the Pumice Plain, move a GPS spider on the west arm of the glacier that is precariously close to falling into a crevasse, and conducting a gas-sensing flight.

Posted by Raoul Ortega at 09:27 | Permalink

Potential Ash Hazards: Wind forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), coupled with eruption models, show that any ash clouds rising above the crater rim today would drift principally to the southeast and east this morning, shifting to the north and northwest this afternoon.

Recent observations: Clear skies afford excellent views of the volcano again this morning. Extrusion of the growing lava dome continues, accompanied by generally low levels of seismicity. Under current conditions, occasional rockfalls from the new dome remain probable, and they may generate plumes of dust and ash that rise above the crater rim.

Posted by Raoul Ortega at 08:56 | Permalink

Views of effects of 2006-Jul-18 earthquake

Recent observations: Clear skies afford excellent views of the volcano this morning. Extrusion of the growing lava dome continues, and following yesterday’s magnitude 3.6 earthquake, seismicity has returned to generally low levels. Under current conditions, occasional rockfalls from the new dome remain probable, and they may generate plumes of dust and ash that rise above the crater rim.

Posted by Raoul Ortega at 10:27 | Permalink

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

Recent observations: At 9:56 PDT this morning, a magnitude 3.6 earthquake occurred at Mount St. Helens. This is one of the largest earthquakes recorded during the ongoing eruption, and it triggered significant rockfalls from the growing, extruding spine and from the crater walls. Plumes of dust and ash generated by the rockfalls rose slightly above the crater rim but dissipated quickly. Occasional similar rockfalls are likely to occur in the future, and if future earthquakes occur comparable to that this morning, they will likely be felt by anyone on the volcano. Overall, extrusion of the growing lava dome continues to occur in the same quiescent mode exhibited over the past year, and levels of seismicity remain generally low.

Posted by Raoul Ortega at 11:50 | Permalink

Potenial Ash Hazards: Wind forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), coupled with eruption models, show that ash clouds rising above the crater this morning would drift ENE throughout the day.

Recent observations: Another sunny day today, allowing good views of the crater. Late yesterday afternoon, a steam plume (accompanying a rockfall) rose about 1000 feet above the crater rim and dissipated within minutes. Multiple small rockfalls per day are the norm at present, and this pattern is likely continue, together with very low background seismicity. More rockfalls may produce a plume or cloud of ash that could rise a few thousand feet above the crater rim.

Posted by Raoul Ortega at 12:18 | Permalink

Potential Ash Hazards: Wind forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), coupled with eruption models, show that ash clouds rising above the crater this morning would drift NE throughout the day.

Recent observations: Sunny weather allows good views of the crater this morning. Multiple small rockfalls per day are continuing to occur, and this pattern is likely continue. Occasional rockfalls may be large enough to produce a plume or cloud of ash that could rise a few thousand feet above the crater rim.

Posted by Raoul Ortega at 11:43 | Permalink

Potential Ash Hazards: Wind forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), coupled with eruption models, show that ash clouds rising above the crater this morning would drift NE throughout the day.

Recent observations: The crater is partly obscured by clouds this morning. Continued low-level seismicity accompanies the slow, steady extrusion of solidified lava in the growing lava dome. Multiple small rockfalls from the new dome are occurring daily, and clouds of ash, possibly with steam and gas, will continue to occasionally rise above the crater rim as the result of rockfall activity.

Posted by Raoul Ortega at 12:22 | Permalink

Potential Ash Hazards: Wind forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), coupled with eruption models, show that ash clouds rising above the crater this morning would drift NE throughout the day.

Recent observations: Clouds are partly obscuring views of the crater this morning. Multiple small rockfalls per day are continuing to occur, and this pattern is likely continue. Occasional rockfalls may be large enough to produce a plume or cloud of ash that could rise a few thousand feet above the crater rim.

Posted by Raoul Ortega at 10:13 | Permalink

• Visitors again to be sitting on a volcano 2006-Jul-14 08:10 from The Seattle Times

  SUMMIT OF MOUNT ST. HELENS — The view from the top of the crater offers a startling look at the forces that make, shape and blow apart the volcanoes of the Pacific Northwest.

  Blue-white steam rises out of numerous vents.

  A huge rock spine appears stationary but is slowly rising up from the center of the crater, propelled by magma rising to the surface in amounts equal to a pickup-truck load per second.

  And there is a glacier, once shaped like a horseshoe, now chopped into two crevassed pieces by the forces of heat and uplift.

• Climbers allowed back on Mount St. Helens 2006-Jul-14 from The Seattle Post-Intellegencer

  MOUNT ST. HELENS — For the climbing public, the curtain up goes next week on the third act of America's most fascinatingly dysfunctional mountain.

  It's anyone's guess how many more acts are to follow in the years to come, but the highlight of Mount St. Helens' latest configuration since its devastating eruption of May 18, 1980, will be the unveiling of a close-up view of its new, still-growing volcanic dome.

  The dome is creeping slowly and dramatically upward and now is less than 700 feet below the 8,363-foot summit, which opens to climbing next Friday for the first time since volcanic activity prompted closure of the mountain in September 2004.

• New wonders on reopened volcano 2006-Jul-14 01:00 from The Tacoma News-Tribune

  MOUNT ST. HELENS — Climbers returned to the crater rim of Mount St. Helens on Thursday to witness the active volcano’s smoldering marriage of science and recreation.

  The 34 climbers – mostly journalists – were the first to legally climb to the rim for a front-row view of the rock falls, steam plumes and massive new lava dome the public will see when the climbing program at the mountain resumes July 21.

  The mountain has been off-limits to climbers since it began erupting in September 2004. Although it is still in an eruptive phase, national forest officials have determined it is now safe to climb.

Posted by Raoul Ortega at 08:49 | Permalink

Potential Ash Hazards: Wind forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), coupled with eruption models, show that ash clouds rising above the crater this morning would drift NE throughout the day.

Recent observations: Cloud cover is down to about the level of the crater floor this morning, obscuring views of the new dome, but clouds are expected to lift and field crews will fly to the crater today to maintain and test instruments and make new observations of dome growth. No significant rockfalls have occurred in the past day, though occasional small rockfalls are likely to continue as they have in recent weeks, occasionally sending dust plumes above the crater rim.

Posted by Raoul Ortega at 10:26 | Permalink

Views taken during past week

Recent observations: Cloud cover is down to about the level of the crater floor this morning, obscuring views of the new dome. Rockfalls are continuing; one event at 8:25 pm last evening produced a small ash plume that rose several hundred feet above the crater rim before dissipating. Low-level seismicity continues to mark the slow, steady extrusion of solidified lava in the growing lava dome. Plumes of ash, possibly with steam and gas, will continue to occasionally rise above the crater rim as the result of rockfall activity.

Posted by Raoul Ortega at 09:32 | Permalink

Potential Ash Hazards: Wind forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), coupled with eruption models, show that ash clouds rising above the crater this morning would drift NE throughout the day.

Recent observations: Small rockfalls are occurring in the crater every few hours. Low-level seismicity continues to mark the slow, steady extrusion of solidified lava in the growing lava dome. Clouds of ash, possibly with steam and gas, will continue to occasionally rise above the crater rim as the result of rockfall activity.

Posted by Raoul Ortega at 11:07 | Permalink

Potential Ash Hazards: Wind forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), coupled with eruption models, show that ash clouds rising above the crater this morning would drift E to ENE, shifting later in the day to E to ESE.

Recent observations: The crater is obscured by clouds this morning. Continued low-level seismicity accompanies the slow, steady extrusion of solidified lava in the growing lava dome. Multiple small rockfalls from the new dome are occurring daily, and clouds of ash, possibly with steam and gas, will continue to occasionally rise above the crater rim as the result of rockfall activity.

Posted by Raoul Ortega at 10:25 | Permalink

Potential Ash Hazards: Wind forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), coupled with eruption models, show that ash clouds rising above the crater today would drift to the northeast throughout the day.

Recent observations: The crater is clear this morning and should remain clear for much of the day, although clouds are moving in from the west. Continued low-level seismicity accompanies the slow, steady extrusion of solidified lava in the growing lava dome. Clouds of ash, possibly with steam and gas, will continue to occasionally rise above the crater rim as the result of rockfall activity.

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 ash clouds rising above the crater today would drift to the northeast.

Recent observations: Continued clear weather should provide good views into the crater throughout the day. Low-level seismicity and slow, steady extrusion of solidified lava are continuing. Clouds of ash, possibly with steam and gas, will continue to occasionally rise above the crater rim as the result of rockfall activity.

Posted by Raoul Ortega at 09:56 | Permalink

• St. Helens to reopen for climbs on July 21 2006-Jul-08 00:00 from The Seattle Times

  For the first time since a new eruptive phase began back in September 2004, Mount St. Helens will again be open to climbers starting July 21.

  Federal officials will allow as many as 100 climbers per day to tackle the south-side route that leads to the edge of the summit crater.

  There climbers can get a look at an active — albeit relatively peaceful — eruption of magma that has been continually making its way to the surface.

Posted by Raoul Ortega at 09:46 | Permalink

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

Recent observations: Sunny weather again prevails and the crater is clear this morning. A small rockfall at 0927 PDT generated a small ash cloud that drifted slightly above the crater rim and was captured on the volcanocam. The small “drumbeat” earthquakes are still very small and less frequent than is June, occurring up to 10 minutes apart. However, previous decreases in earthquake magnitude and frequency have not been accompanied by any detectable slowing in extrusion rate. Rockfalls off the new dome and few somewhat larger earthquakes continue to occur several times per day. Clouds of ash and steam will continue to occasionally rise above the crater rim as the result of rockfall activity.

Posted by Raoul Ortega at 10:50 | Permalink

Glowing rock photo taken 2006-Jul-01

Recent observations: The crater is obscured by clouds this morning. The small "drumbeat" earthquakes accompanying steady lava extrusion have gotten smaller and less frequent over the past week, but previous decreases in magnitude and frequency have not been accompanied by any detectable slowing in extrusion rate. Rockfalls off the new dome continue to occur several times per day. Clouds of ash and steam may rise above the crater rim as the result of rockfall activity.

Posted by Raoul Ortega at 10:14 | Permalink

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

Recent observations: From VolcanoCam views, the crater, growing lava dome, and a weak vapor plume are clear this morning above low clouds that fill the North Toutle River valley. Rates of earthquakes, rockfalls, and ground deformation remain at typical levels.

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 ash clouds rising above the crater rim today would drift north-northeastward.

Recent observations: The volcano is clear this morning above lowland clouds. Photographs taken from fixed cameras during the past few days show that lava-dome extrusion continues at usual rates (1 to 2 meters per day). In honor of Independence Day, intermittent glow was detected on the USFS VolcanoCam for several hours after midnight, coincident with a couple of the larger earthquakes that rattle the dome each day. Rates of earthquakes and rockfalls remain at typical levels.

Posted by Raoul Ortega at 11:15 | Permalink

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

Recent observations: Lava extrusion continues marked by frequent small drumbeat earthquakes and occasional larger ones. Views this morning from a camera on the south crater rim show that the narrow pointed top of the spine is still largely intact and was not toppled by earthquakes up to magnitude 3.3 over the weekend. Small rockfalls continue to be recorded in seismic records and show up in camera views. Such events produce small ash clouds that sometimes are large enough to rise above the crater rim and drift off downwind.

Posted by Raoul Ortega at 09:00 | Permalink

Potential ash hazards: Wind forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), coupled with eruption models, show that ash clouds rising above the crater today would drift to the northeast, although lower level winds will become more variable late this afternoon and this evening.

Recent observations: Small earthquakes accompanying steady lava extrusion continue to occur every 1-3 minutes, punctuated by occasional rockfall signals on seismic records. A lava spine continues to push upward on the west side of the new dome. As growth continues, periodic collapses of the highly fractured lava forming the spine may be expected, resulting in rockfalls that can produce clouds of ash and steam that can rise above the crater rim. Viewing of the new dome from the Johnston Ridge Observatory should be excellent throughout the day.

Posted by Raoul Ortega at 11:06 | Permalink

Views taken on 2006-Jun-29

Recent observations: Small earthquakes accompanying lava dome extrusion continue to occur every 1-2 minutes, punctuated by occasional rockfall signals on seismic records. With clear weather forecasted it is possible that ash clouds from large rockfalls will on occasion be visible. A magnitude 3.3 earthquake occurred last night at 11:31 pm PDT, and it was followed by a bright glow in the crater from hot rock exposed by a triggered rockfall.

Posted by Raoul Ortega at 11:30 | Permalink