Mount St. Helens, the most active volcano in the continental United States, is on alert for a strong eruption--currently at level 2, or aviation color code orange. Over the past two weeks, the volcano has awakened from a long slumber, spewing several spectacular bursts of steam and ash. As of 6:15 p.m. PDT on Oct. 7, seismicity has increased slightly from the low levels of Oct. 6. After the vigorous steam-and-ash emission of Tuesday morning, seismicity dropped with individual events becoming smaller. Information from scientific monitoring suggests that the ongoing intense earthquake activity has weakened the dome, increasing the likelihood of explosions from the lava dome, which could occur suddenly and without further warning. Explosions would be expected to produce ash clouds that rise several thousand feet above the crater rim and drift downwind. To view pictures of Mount St. Helens, go to http://vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/Volcanoes/MSH/Images/MSH04/; for updates on the volcanic activity, go to http://vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/Volcanoes/Cascades/CurrentActivity/current_updates.html. To arrange an interview, call the command center at 360-891-5180.
