Mount St. Helens - 20 Years Later
Submitted by Tim Elam

The May 18, 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens, Washington was the most powerful, devastating natural event to rock the United States during the 1900's. What has happened there in the twenty years since the 1980 eruption, and what would a visitor find today?

The region of the blast still looks like a moonscape. Viewed from a distance, the 230 square mile blast area is still largely barren, grayish-tan with volcanic ash moved further lower by mudflows. Three to four million visitors who come to Mount St. Helens National Monument each year are awed by spectacular views.

What about a closer view? Plants and animals are returning to the area, and in fact, some never left. It is estimated that of the 32 species of small mammals living in the area prior to the eruption, 14 species survived the eruption. These were primarily gophers, mice, and other burrowers who quickly sought subterranean refuge from the eruption. Some young plants, protected by the heavy snow cover also survived the blast. Wildlife now living on the fringe of the blast area, from insects to birds, coyote, and elk, today move through the blast zone. Their waste products provide seeds, which germinate in the fertile volcanic debris. Thus islands of vegetation appear, which provide food and cover. Nature is amazingly adaptable.

Within the National Monument, no major reclamation efforts have been, or will be, attempted. But in the part of the blast zone outside the Monument, an estimated 10,000 acres of blown-down or dying timber were logged shortly after the blast. Those areas have remained logging properties, and 10 million trees have been planted to regenerate the forest.

What about the volcano itself? It remains active. A lava plug began forming in the crater in the early 1980's after the major eruption. This plug is now a mile wide. A few major ash and steam eruptions have occurred since 1980. Wisps of steam are constantly vented, and rockfalls stir up ash on windy days. Minor earthquakes have become more frequent in the last three years; usually five to ten are measured each day. However, they are fairly deep-seated, and are not believed to signal another major eruption.

Still, brave hikers are allowed to climb to the crater rim each day, and the arduous trek of about eleven miles is rewarded with an awe-inspiring view of not only the inside of the crater, but adjacent volcanoes such as Mt. Rainier and Mt Hood. Only 100 hikers are allowed to attempt the journey each day. They are selected by registering in advance or winning a daily lottery.

If you ever get a chance to visit, now is the time you won't be disappointed.

Want more information? There are numerous Internet sites for Mt. St. Helens, including some that provide live "volcano-cam" pictures.

Live Volcano Cam of Mount St. Helens

Or you can contact:
Mt. St. Helens National Monument
42218 Northeast Yale Bridge Road
Amboy, Washington, 98601
http://www.fs.fed.us/gpnf/mshnvm/index.shtml

Donations are tax deductible
Click on the Cymbospondylus for more information

Web Master: Sherry Pauley
webmaster@sharktoothhill.com

Internet service connection courtesy of:
DataCourse Internet Solutions
Link will open a new browser window.