Remembering "surreal" Mount St. Helens eruption 45 years later

Mount St. Helens erupted on May 18, 1980, killing 57 people and dramatically altering the landscape of the Pacific Northwest. Eyewitness accounts highlight the surreal experience of ash falling like snow, with individuals recalling its accumulation on vehicles. Geologist Holly Weiss-Racine stated that sediment from the eruption is still being dredged from the Toutle and Columbia Rivers, underscoring the long-term impact of the event. The eruption also led to significant improvements in volcanic monitoring and response strategies.

As the Northwest's most active volcano, Mount St. Helens is closely monitored for signs of future eruptions. The U. S. Geological Survey emphasizes the importance of preparedness in the event of another eruption.

This ongoing vigilance aims to ensure public safety and minimize potential hazards. The memory of the 1980 eruption continues to resonate in the region, marking a pivotal moment in its geological history.