Mount St. Helens Cascades' restless giant

On May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helens erupted, resulting in 57 fatalities and one of the largest landslides recorded in the U. S. The eruption was preceded by weeks of seismic activity, including thousands of earthquakes. A magnitude 5.

1 earthquake triggered the north flank's collapse, releasing a 23-square-mile landslide and a lateral explosion that propelled ash and debris 15 miles into the atmosphere. The U. S. Geological Survey reported that ash spread across 11 states, disrupting air travel by grounding over 1,000 flights. The blast lowered the mountain's summit by 1,300 feet and destroyed 230 square miles of forest.

Scientists emphasize the ongoing need for monitoring due to the volcano's active status in the Cascades. This eruption serves as a critical reminder of the potential dangers posed by volcanic activity. Local communities continue to adapt and prepare for future volcanic events.