45 Years Later, Washington Geologist Remembers Visiting Mount St. Helens the Day Before It Blew

45 years later, Washington geologist remembers visiting Mount St. Helens the day before it blew

Sunday marks the anniversary of the May 18, 1980, volcanic eruption that rocked the Northwest. Geologist Carolyn Driedger recounts the haunting day before that catastrophic event — and its lasting effects.

Photos show the eruption of Mount St. Helens, the worst volcanic disaster in US history, 45 years ago

On May 18, 1980, an earthquake caused Mount St. Helens to erupt, leading to widespread destruction.Austin Post/USGSWhen Mount St. Helens erupted on May 18, 1980, it caused enormous devastation.The eruption triggered mudslides, an explosion, and plumes of ash that did enormous damage.The death of 57 people led to large changes in how the US monitors and prepares for eruptions.On May 18, 1980, Don Swanson placed a frenzied call to his wife to let …

The day the sky darkened: Mount St. Helens erupted in Washington State 45 years ago

On May 18, 1980, the United States experienced the deadliest and most destructive volcanic eruption in its history.

When the mountain roared

Note: Mount St. Helens erupted 45 years ago today. Currently, an underwater volcano is brewing off the coast of Oregon and is expected to erupt this year. In 1980, I was a forester working for the Idaho Department of Lands in the northern backcoun...