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 north-northea! st.

Recent observations: The view from a fixed camera at the crater mouth shows clouds that partially obscure the mountain. Seismicity continues at rates typical of the past few months. Field crews were able to visit several instrument sites for repair and maintenance of equipment such as remote cameras and tiltmeters. A plume of condensed steam was visible above the crater rim of Mount St. Helens. Citizens and the media inquired about the plume via telephone and email inquiries for much of the afternoon yesterday. The plume results from condensation of warm moist air rising off the growing lava dome, and is visible from miles away when the air is cold and calm.