45th eruptiversary of Mount St. Helens has open houses, online events

45th eruptiversary of Mount St. Helens has open houses, online events

Scientists and volcano experts will recognize the 45th "eruptiversary" of Mount St. Helens, offering multiple opportunities for the public to learn about our state's volcanoes, ask questions, and learn how volcano monitoring works. Events include opportunities to visit to the volcano and the offices for USGS and participate in an online discussion.

The official web cam for Mount. St. Helens is also now back online, with its power restored for the first time in nearly two years.

May is Volcano Awareness Month and the state is asking residents to become familiar with our state's five active volcanoes, understand how they will be alerted of approaching volcanic hazards, and become 2 Weeks Ready for any disaster.

On May 18, 1980, at 8:32 a.m., the bulging north flank of Mount St. Helens slid away in a massive landslide. Seconds later, the uncorked volcano exploded and blasted rocks horizontally, destroying centuries of forest growth in a span of several minutes. Nine hours of explosive volcanic activity ensued, killing 57 people and forever altering the landscape and what we know about volcanoes.

Scientists and preparedness experts will be on hand May 18, 2025, at the Science and Learning Center at Coldwater to commemorate the eruption. The event will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and includes experts from Washington Emergency Management Division, USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory, the Mount St. Helens Institute, National Volcanic Monument Rangers and more.

Nearby Johnston Ridge Observatory and Highway 504 at Mile Post 45.2 remain closed after a landslide caused catastrophic damage to a nearby bridge. WSDOT says on its construction project website that permanent access will not be restored for public or administrative use at least until 2027. And, even after that, it will take time for the observatory to re-open.

There are other times to meet scientists and preparedness experts, too!

• USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory will host an open house at its office at 1300 SE Cardinal Court in Vancouver, Wash. The event is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., May 10, 2025, and includes tours of the office, hands-on activities and equipment demonstrations. There will also be geologists on hand to investigate your mystery rocks.
• A Reddit Ask-Me-Anything session with experts from USGS and the states of Oregon and Washington is slated to go from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., May 15, 2025. A free Reddit account is needed to participate, but not to read the responses. Follow this account to be notified when the session is live.
• Pierce County Emergency Management will host three sessions for residents to learn more about volcanoes and personal preparedness. "Are you VolcanoReady? Come learn about Mt. Rainier, the active volcano in our backyard."
  • 3 p.m., May 8 at Orting Pierce County Library
  • 4 p.m., May 15 at Eatonville Pierce County Library
  • 3 p.m., May 22 at Fife Pierce County Library
• The Mount St. Helens Institute is hosting a lecture on May 7 with Alysa Adams, lead interpretive specialist of the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center. There's a cost to attend, which can be done in person in Vancouver, Wash. or online.
• The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is nearing the completion of its renovations to the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center. This is the first update of its exhibits since it first opened to the public in 1986. The visitor center is anticipated to reopen for the public in early June. Check out this webpage for updates and the official announcement of the reopening date.