Mount St. Helens Remembering the day the sleeping giant awoke 45 years ago
Mount St. Helens erupted on May 18, 1980, after a 5. 1 magnitude earthquake struck, initiating the deadliest volcanic event in U. S. history.
The eruption resulted in the death of 57 people and unleashed an estimated 3. 2 billion tons of ash, which caused over $1 billion in damages across the Pacific Northwest. The landslide that accompanied the eruption was the largest in recorded history, drastically reducing the mountain's height from 9,677 to 8,364 feet. The U. S.
Geological Survey reported that the devastation extended over 19 miles wide and 12 miles north of the summit, leaving virtually no trees standing in the inner blast zone. Harry R. Truman, the caretaker of the Mount St. Helens Lodge, gained notoriety for his refusal to evacuate despite the imminent danger. KOMO News photographer Dave Crockett captured the eruption's chaos, documenting his struggle for survival amid the choking ash.
His footage remains iconic, showcasing the eruption's ferocity and the human experience during natural disasters. This eruption significantly influenced volcanic research and emergency response strategies in the region.