Mount St. Helens is still considered the most likely volcano in the Cascades to erupt again after 45 years ago. Small earthquakes are often recorded, and steam sometimes rises from the crater. (Image: USGS)
It was 45 years ago when Mount St. Helens erupted in the deadliest volcanic disaster in US history. On May 18, 1980, the mountain located in the US state of Washington exploded with force. It killed 57 people, devastated forests, and sent ash across the country.
Today, scientists say the volcano is still active, and it could erupt again.
Ash covered 11 US states, blocking river channels with mud and debris. Wildlife in the surrounding forests was wiped out, and the entire ecosystem faced major ecological destruction.
Spirit Lake was flooded and reshaped, giving birth to hundreds of new ponds and lakes. Mudflows filled rivers and raised their beds by dozens of feet, halting ship traffic and threatening floods downstream. Dredging out the sediment took years, and the land looked lifeless for a long time.
Surprisingly, life found a way back. Flowers, trees, birds, and animals slowly returned. Today, the blast zone is a living laboratory, a flashback to the destructive days, and a reminder of how nature heals. But beneath the mountain, volcanic activity continues.
Mount St. Helens is still considered the most likely volcano in the Cascades to erupt again. Small earthquakes are often recorded, and steam sometimes rises from the crater.
Scientists say a massive explosion like that of 1980 is unlikely in the near future. But we can experience more minor eruptions in our lifetime.
If these minor eruptions happen as predicted by geologists, with better technology and constant monitoring, experts believe we’ll get early warnings next time. Still, volcanoes are unpredictable.
Today, scientists say the volcano is still active, and it could erupt again.
What happened in 1980?
The eruption was triggered by a 5.1-magnitude earthquake. The blast sent the mountain's north face sliding off in the largest landslideever recorded. Hot ash and gas swept out at hundreds of kilometers per hour. Over 230 square miles of forest were destroyed. Roads, bridges, and homes were all gone in seconds.Ash covered 11 US states, blocking river channels with mud and debris. Wildlife in the surrounding forests was wiped out, and the entire ecosystem faced major ecological destruction.
The environmental impact
Spirit Lake was flooded and reshaped, giving birth to hundreds of new ponds and lakes. Mudflows filled rivers and raised their beds by dozens of feet, halting ship traffic and threatening floods downstream. Dredging out the sediment took years, and the land looked lifeless for a long time.
Nature returns, but so does the risk
Surprisingly, life found a way back. Flowers, trees, birds, and animals slowly returned. Today, the blast zone is a living laboratory, a flashback to the destructive days, and a reminder of how nature heals. But beneath the mountain, volcanic activity continues.
Mount St. Helens is still considered the most likely volcano in the Cascades to erupt again. Small earthquakes are often recorded, and steam sometimes rises from the crater.
Scientists say a massive explosion like that of 1980 is unlikely in the near future. But we can experience more minor eruptions in our lifetime.
How ready are we?
If these minor eruptions happen as predicted by geologists, with better technology and constant monitoring, experts believe we’ll get early warnings next time. Still, volcanoes are unpredictable.
