The following information is provided by the U.S. Geological Survey's Cascades Volcano Observatory and by the University of Washington's Geophysics Program.

Earthquake activity beneath Mount St. Helens remained at a low level during May 1997. Ten earthquakes were located beneath the volcano during the month of May. This level of activity is within the range considered to be a safe background.

The U.S. Geological Survey and University of Washington monitor earthquakes and other activity at Mount St. Helens as part of the USGS Volcano Hazards Program. Information updates will be posted here during the first week of each month, or more often if conditions warrant. Additional information is available from the University of Washington Geophysics Program at the following URL:

http://www.geophys.washington.edu/SEIS/PNSN/HELENS