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2006 October 31

USGS Update 2006-Oct-31 09:23

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 south to southeast.

Recent observations: Clear skies today are making it possible for helicopter-supported field crews to operate and do needed equipment maintenance.

2006 October 30

USGS Update 2006-Oct-30 09:42

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: The volcano is clear this morning. As indicated by remote monitoring instruments, lava dome extrusion continues amidst low seismicity and intermittent rockfall activity. No significant changes in the eruption have been noted in the past 24 hours.

2006 October 29

USGS Update 2006-Oct-29 10:10

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 this morning shifting to southeastward by this afternoon.

Recent observations: Low clouds preclude visual observations of the volcano this morning. Remote monitoring instruments indicate that extrusion of the new lava dome continues with low seismicity and intermittent rockfall activity. Yesterday at 2:40 PM local time (21:40 UTC), a M3.2 earthquake occurred accompanied by a rockfall that produced a plume which filled the volcano"s crater to just above rim height before dissipating.

2006 October 28

USGS Update 2006-Oct-28 10:29

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.

Recent observations: Sunny weather affords clear views of Mount St. Helens from the Johnston Ridge Observatory VolcanoCam. Remote instruments indicate that lava dome extrusion continues with low seismicity and intermittent rockfalls. No significant changes in eruptive activity have been noticed in the past 24 hours.

2006 October 27

USGS Update 2006-Oct-27 10:09

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.

Recent observations: The volcano is intermittently visible from Johnston Ridge this morning. Low clouds in the area are forecast to give way to sunny skies later today. Lava extrusion accompanied by small earthquakes and rockfalls is continuing. There have been no significant changes in activity during the past 24 hours.

2006 October 26

USGS Update 2006-Oct-26 09:20

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 to the east.

Recent observations: Conditions are favorable for viewing the mountain today and it is presently in clear view from Johnston Ridge with only partial cloud cover in the crater and over the upper flanks. Weather conditions are expected to improve during the day. The eruption continues as slow extrusion accompanied by small earthquakes and rockfalls, occasionally punctuated by larger earthquakes such as an M3.4 at 2:13am local time this morning. Ongoing monitoring indicates no significant changes in activity over the past 24 hours.

2006 October 25

USGS Update 2006-Oct-25 09:00

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 to the southeast.

Recent observations: The snow dusted volcano is visible from Johnston Ridge this morning but is partially obscured by low clouds. The eruption continues slowly accompanied by small earthquakes and rockfalls. Monitoring data indicate no significant changes over the past 24 hours.

2006 October 24

USGS Update 2006-Oct-24 09:18

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 predominantly to the east.

Recent observations: Clouds and rain obscure the view of the volcano from the Johnston Ridge Observatory today. The eruption continues largely aseismically and slowly, accompanied by small earthquakes and rockfalls. Monitoring data indicate no significant changes in the eruption over the past 24 hours.

2006 October 23

USGS Update 2006-Oct-23 08:26

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 to the southeast in the morning and to the east in the evening.

Recent observations: Lava continues to slowly extrude into the southern crater area and is accompanied by small earthquakes and occasional small rockfalls and avalanches. Viewing conditions this morning are clear from Johnston Ridge.

2006 October 22

USGS Update 2006-Oct-22 10:23

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 westnorthwest in the morning and northeast in the evening.

Recent observations: A magnitude 3.5 earthquake at 3:13 Saturday afternoon shook loose the top of the highest of the new lava spines, spine 7. The small collapse and avalanche of dome rock generated a short-lived ash plume that rose approximately 2000 feet over the west crater rim and rapidly dissipated. Lava continues to slowly extrude into the southern crater area and is accompanied by small earthquakes and occasional small rockfalls and avalanches. Viewing conditions today are clear.

2006 October 21

News Reports

  • Quake send rocks falling at St. Helens 2006-Oct-21 17:51 KING (ch.5) Seattle

    MOUNT ST. HELENS, Wash. - A 3.2 magnitude earthquake caused a rockfall at Mount St. Helens Saturday afternoon.

    Scientists at the Johnson Ridge Observatory say a chunk of the current lava spine fell off and the spine now has a V-shaped notch in the tip. It looks a little bit like a snake's tongue.

    Ash shot about 4,000 feet in the air and because of heavy winds on the mountain, visitors saw a bit of a show.

USGS Update 2006-Oct-21 08:55

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.

Recent observations: The low level of seismicity created by small earthquakes as lava is extruded onto the south crater floor of Mount St. Helens continues, punctuated by the occasional rockfall from the growing dome. Viewing conditions today are excellent.

2006 October 20

USGS Update 2006-Oct-20 07:31

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 southeastward.

Recent observations: With the exception of the occasional M1 to M2 earthquake, Mount St. Helens is remarkably quiet this morning, continuing seismicity and deformation trends established over the past few months. Viewing is currently impossible because of cloud cover, and our instrumentation indicates that extrusion of lava continues.

2006 October 19

USGS Update 2006-Oct-19 10:22

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 southeastward.

Recent observations: Mount St. Helens is obscured by clouds today. Seismicity levels remain low, and deformation rates are also low, as they have been for weeks. Continued growth of the dome was verified last week when visibility was good, and the seismicity and deformation indicate that lava is still being extruded onto the south crater floor.

2006 October 18

USGS Update 2006-Oct-18 10:14

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 southeastward.

Recent observations: The crater area was visible this morning through the US Forest Service webcam. Fresh snow is visible down to the Step area at the mouth of the crater. Lava continues to extrude into the new lava dome, and dome growth continues to be accompanied by small earthquakes and sporadic small rockfalls.

2006 October 17

USGS Update 2006-Oct-17 09:46

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 in the morning and south-southeastward in the evening.

Recent observations: Using the US Forest Service webcam, the crater area was visible above a low cloud deck this morning. A passive steam was rising to about rim height and dissipating toward the south. Lava continues to extrude into the new lava dome, and dome growth continues to be accompanied by small earthquakes and sporadic small rockfalls.

2006 October 16

USGS Update 2006-Oct-16 09:41

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 E to ESE in the early part of the day. By late this afternoon, low level winds will have shifted and would blow ash to the S and SE, and upper level winds would send ash to the SSW.

Recent observations: Heavy clouds obscure the crater this morning. Lava continues to extrude into the new lava dome, and dome growth continues to be accompanied by small earthquakes and sporadic small rockfalls.

2006 October 15

USGS Update 2006-Oct-15 09:55

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- northeast.

Recent observations: Clouds and rain cloak the mountain today generally obscuring views. Fleeting glimpses into the crater may be possible as passing bands of precipitation clear the area. Inclement weather is expected to continue through tomorrow. No significant changes in monitored parameters have been observed in the last 24 hours. The eruption continues unchanged in style or severity.

2006 October 14

USGS Update 2006-Oct-14 09:51

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 to the southeast.

Recent observations: Sunny weather and good viewing are predicted at the volcano today. Lava continues to extrude into the new lava dome, and dome growth continues to be accompanied by small earthquakes and sporadic, small to moderate rockfalls.

2006 October 13

USGS Update 2006-Oct-13 10:21

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 and southeast.

Recent observations: It"s clear and sunny at the mountain today with a light plume drifting off to the southeast. There were no significant changes in monitored parameters overnight and dome growth is continuing. The pattern of low seismicity punctuated by occasional larger rockfall signals which has been characteristic of the last several weeks continues unabated. No field work is planned for today.

2006 October 12

USGS Update 2006-Oct-12 09:15

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.

Recent observations: Bright, sunny, fall weather dominates the Pacific Northwest today. The USFS camera at the Johnston Ridge Observatory shows Mt. St. Helens to be clear with a light plume drifting over the crater rim. Dome growth is continuing accompanied by low-level seicmicity and occasional rockfalls. Field crews have been busy this week installing new instruments and preparing the telemetry network for the coming winter. Fine viewing conditions are expected to hold through the day.

2006 October 11

USGS Update 2006-Oct-11 09:47

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 to the southwest again today, toward the Portland-Vancouver area.

Recent observations: The sky is clear over the volcano this morning; the crater is visible. Low-level seismicity continued through the night to this morning, accompanied by a few small rockfalls, as growth of the new lava dome continues. Viewing conditions should remain good through the day.

2006 October 10

USGS Update 2006-Oct-10 10:28

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 to the southwest toward the Portland-Vancouver area.

Recent observations: High clouds are over the volcano this morning but should be clearing later; the crater is visible. Lava continues to extrude into the new lava dome, and dome growth continues to be accompanied by sporadic small earthquakes and small to moderate rockfalls. Viewing conditions should remain good through the day.

2006 October 09

USGS Update 2006-Oct-09 12:11

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 southwest.

Recent observations: Excellent views into the crater are possible today, but gusty winds are kicking up a lot of dust and ash. A small steam plume is also visible. No significant changes in seismicity or ground deformation have been detected in the past 24 hours, and seismicity remains generally low.

2006 October 08

USGS Update 2006-Oct-08 10:57

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 southeast.

Recent observations: Mount St. Helens is hidden by clouds this morning. Weather forecasts for Columbus Day indicate sunny weather and excellent opportunities to view the crater. Data from deformation-monitoring instruments located on the 1980-86 and 2004-2006 lava domes indicate that extrusion of the new lava dome continues, despite relatively low seismicity levels. Mount Rainier"s M 4.5 earthquake at about 7:50 PM last night registered on the Mount St. Helens seismic network.

2006 October 07

USGS Update 2006-Oct-07 10:22

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 southeast.

Recent observations: Lava continues to extrude associated with periodic tilt of the crater floor and primarily sporadic, low level seismicity. Yesterday through early this morning, 4 small earthquakes M2.2 to M3.2 have occurred beneath the crater floor. Viewing conditions are good this morning.

2006 October 06

USGS Update 2006-Oct-06 08:45

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 to the east to southeast early in the day and southeast and south later in the day.

Recent observations: Lava dome extrusion continues at Mount St. Helens. No significant changes in seismicity, deformation, or rockfall activity have been detected in the past 24 hours. Views of the crater are obscured by clouds this morning.

2006 October 05

USGS Update 2006-Oct-05 09:02

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 southwest this morning and south to southeast later in the day.

Recent observations: Lava continues to extrude onto the south crater floor, associated with sporadic, low level seismicity and periodic tilt of the crater floor. Viewing conditions on the US Forest Service webcam are good this morning.

2006 October 04

USGS Update 2006-Oct-04 09:24

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 southwest, west, or northwest.

Recent observations: Extrusion of the new lava dome continues with relatively low seismicity levels and periodic tilt of the crater floor. Mount St. Helens was visible intermittently this morning on the US Forest Service webcam. Viewing conditions are mostly good this morning with some high clouds over the crater.

2006 October 03

USGS Update 2006-Oct-03 10:09

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 north to northeast.

Recent observations: Lava continues to extrude onto the south crater floor, associated with sporadic, low level seismicity and periodic tilt of the crater floor. Viewing conditions are good this morning with high overcast clouds.

2006 October 02

USGS Update 2006-Oct-02 08:32

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.

Recent observations: We scientists continue to watch and wait, our armor red and thin with rust, our souls from sorrow freed. A network of 30s Guralp broadband seismometers and single component instruments record the occasional small earthquake and periodic rockfall, stainless steel borehole tiltmeters buried within the dacite debris of the crater floor reveal a 30-60 minute pulsation as lava is pushed up and out of the vent, and a network of geodetic grade L1/L2 GPS instruments linked to our satellite constellation track the velocity of the mountain and crater floor relative to North America in an ITRF2000 reference frame. We long for change, for action, to charge into space, but quiet did quiet remain (with apologies to Walter de la Mare).

2006 October 01

USGS Update 2006-Oct-01 11:48

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.

Recent observations: Mount St. Helens quietly continues to extrude lava onto the south crater floor, with declining visibility and increasing winds as the dry clear weather of the past three weeks deteriorates. Rockfalls off of the dome continue, sometimes associated with earthquakes during the extrusion process.