Mt. FitzHerbert

Last Posting

2006-01-11T12:17:00.000-08:00

Notice:

This will be the last posting for this site. It's moving to a new location:
http://sputs.com/fitzherbert/index.php. All the old posts have been moved there. Update your links and bookmarks as appropriate. For now, everything here will be left as is.

USGS Update 2006-Jan-11 09:15

2006-01-11T09:54:00.000-08:00

Potential ash hazards: Wind forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), coupled with eruption models, show that ash clouds that rise above the crater rim would drift to the east-northeast.

Recent observations: No significant changes in the level or type of activity at the mountain have been noted since yesterday’s update. The most significant event over the last 24 hours was a magnitude 2.7 earthquake at 1016 PST yesterday morning that, unlike several other larger events over the last 10 days, had no obvious effect on the “drumbeat” earthquakes. Views this morning from the U.S. Forest Service’s web camera at the Johnston Ridge Observatory are completely obscured by clouds and occasional flakes of snow from the storm system du jour.

USGS Update 2006-Jan-10 08:30

2006-01-10T09:41:00.000-08:00

Recent observations: No significant changes in the level or type of activity at the mountain have been noted since yesterday’s update. The series of winter storms sweeping through the area over the last several days have dumped several feet of snow onto instruments located on the flanks and crater floor of Mount St. Helens. Most continue to function admirably, although occasional radio signal dropouts from several instruments occurred overnight. Given the dense network of stations on the volcano, the dropouts are not having an appreciable affect on our monitoring capabilities. With the forecast calling for several more feet’s-worth of snow through the end of the week, it is likely that occasional dropouts will continue to occur.

USGS Update 2006-Jan-09 08:45

2006-01-09T10:34:00.000-08:00

Recent observations: Another hour-long lull in the “drumbeat” earthquakes occurred following a larger earthquake at 1723 PST yesterday afternoon. Drumbeats have since returned to normal levels, and no other significant changes in the level or type of activity at the mountain have been noted since yesterday’s update. It has been three full weeks since our last view of the volcano, and the rain- and snow-filled forecast gives little reason for optimism that visual observations or field work will be possible in the coming week.

USGS Update 2006-Jan-08 10:30

2006-01-08T11:00:00.000-08:00

Recent observations:No significant changes in the level or type of activity at the mountain have been noted since yesterday’s update. The pattern of “drumbeat” earthquakes every two to three minutes was undisturbed by any larger quakes overnight. No visual observations or field work were possible owing to continued inclement weather.

USGS Update 2006-Jan-07 10:00

2006-01-07T10:26:00.000-08:00

Recent observations: No significant changes in the level or type of activity at the mountain have been noted since yesterday’s update. A larger (M. 2.7) event shook the mountain yesterday evening (18:14 PST, 02:14 Jan 7 UTC) but failed to trigger any extensive decrease in the frequency of the “drum beat” events as was noticed after earthquakes of similar size earlier in the month. The mountain appears to be proving true the adage “patterns are made to be broken”. No visual observations or field work were possible owing to continued inclement weather.

USGS Update 2006-Jan-06 10:00

2006-01-06T10:23:00.000-08:00

Recent observations: No significant changes in the level or type of activity at the mountain have been noted since yesterday’s update. A somewhat larger than average event occurred yesterday afternoon (17:06 PST, 01:06 Jan 6 UTC) but failed to trigger the type of seismic lull described in yesterday’s update. The pattern of drumbeats with the possibility of interspersed larger events continues. Inclement weather continues at the volcano. The long term forecast calls for a series of storm cells to pass over the region in the next few days leaving us little hope of any extensive views into the crater or field work.

USGS Update 2006-Jan-05 09:30

2006-01-05T10:09:00.000-08:00

Recent observations: Low level activity continues at the mountain unabated today. A protracted lull in the usual “drumbeat” events was observed yesterday after a somewhat larger earthquake at 17:12 UTC (09:12 PST). The lull lasted about 110 minutes after which the regular pattern of small events occurring every two to three minutes reasserted itself. This phenomenon was similar to but much longer than that observed after a larger quake on the morning of January 1st. Since yesterday morning’s event the mountain has returned to the behavior that has become usual, namely, small events every few minutes with the possibility of larger events occurring intermittently. This pattern of seismicity and that of other monitored parameters suggest that the slow extrusion of the new lava dome is continuing. As has been true since mid-December, winter weather conditions continue to preclude visual observations or field work.

USGS Update 2006-Jan-04 09:30

2006-01-04T09:56:00.000-08:00

Recent observations: The pattern of seismicity at the volcano remains essentially unchanged from the previous few weeks. A strong (M 6.7) earthquake occurred at 08:32 UTC (00:32 PST) in the Gulf of California and registered clearly on seismographs across the region including several from the Mt. St. Helens network. Such distant events may take a few to many minutes to reach the seismometers at Mount St. Helens and show up as large, very low frequency undulations in the seismic trace. A technical problem with our satellite telemetry system interrupted the transmission of data from several seismic stations for approximately ten hours last night. Other stations that transmit directly to the observatory continued to provide us with seismic data throughout the outage. As has been the case over the last few months small earthquakes continue to be recorded every 2-3 minutes. This pattern of seismicity coupled with other monitoring parameters suggests the slow extrusion of dacite onto the crater floor at Mount St. Helens continues unabated. Typical winter weather conditions continue to preclude visual observations or field work.

News Report Update

2006-01-03T14:42:00.000-08:00

Mount St. Helens still oozing lava 2006-Jan-03 00:00 from Seattle Times

For more than a year, Mount St. Helens has been oozing lava into its crater at the rate of roughly a large dump-truck load – 10 cubic yards – every three seconds.

With the sticky molten rock comes a steady drumfire of small earthquakes.

The movement of lava up through the Southwest Washington volcano is "like a sticky piston trying to rise in a rusty cylinder," U.S. Geological Survey geologist Dave Sherrod said last week in a telephone interview from the agency's Cascades Volcano Observatory in Vancouver, Wash.

"These quakes are very small – we think they're associated with that sticking and slipping as the ground is deformed and relaxes."

USGS Update 2006-Jan-03 10:30

2006-01-03T10:18:00.000-08:00

Recent observations: The pattern of seismicity remains essentially unchanged from the previous few weeks. Small earthquakes continue to be recorded every 2-3 minutes with slightly larger events occurring intermittently. This pattern of seismicity coupled with other monitoring parameters suggests the slow extrusion of dacite onto the crater floor at Mount St. Helens continues unabated. Typical winter weather conditions continue to preclude visual observations or field work.

USGS Update 2006-Jan-02 07:30

2006-01-02T09:19:00.000-08:00

Recent observations: Small earthquakes continued every 2-3 minutes as dacite lava extrudes slowly within the crater of Mount St. Helens. At approximately 10:35 am (PST) January 1, a slightly larger earthquake marked a period of about 30 minutes before the return of persistent small earthquakes occurring every few minutes. Winter storms and snow level down to about 4000 ft altitude have not allowed visual observations.

USGS Update 2006-Jan-01 10:55

2006-01-01T11:03:00.000-08:00

Recent observations: There was no volcanic revelry last night, only the persistent small earthquakes every 2-3 minutes to mark the slow extrusion of dacite lava within the crater of Mount St. Helens. Winter storms and snow level down to about 4000 ft altitude have precluded visual observations.

News Report Update

2005-12-31T23:24:00.000-08:00

Mount St. Helens producing lava at astonishing pace 2005-Dec-30 18:44 from KING (ch.5) Seattle

SEATTLE - Fifteen months after Mount St. Helens reawakened, the volcano is continuing to release massive amounts of lava in an unusual geologic display that in some respects confounds scientists.

Roughly every three seconds, a large dump truck load's worth of lava - 10 cubic yards - oozes into the mountain's crater. And with the sticky molten rock comes a steady drumfire of small earthquakes.

The unremitting, monthslong pace is not common, said U.S. Geological Survey geologist Dave Sherrod. Experts say it is unclear what the activity signifies or how long it will continue.

USGS Update 2005-Dec-31 09:30

2005-12-31T09:30:00.000-08:00

Recent observations: The eruption continues by the slow extrusion of dacite lava within the crater of Mount St. Helens. Repetitive small earthquakes occur every 2-3 minutes in the shallow part of the vent. The seismicity remains the best instrumental indication that the eruption is ongoing, because robust winter storms have kept us from visual observations of the volcano since December 18. Two tiltmeters within 500 m of the vent show small ground deformation characteristic of the extrusive process.

We wish each of you a Happy New Year, one that likely will be marked by the continued growth of the Mount St. Helens dome during the days and weeks ahead.

News Report Update

2005-12-30T18:48:00.000-08:00

Eruption Still Producing Lava At Astonishing Rate 2005-Dec-29 from KOMO (ch.4) Seattle

SEATTLE - For more than a year now, Mount St. Helens has been oozing lava into its crater at the rate of roughly a large dump truck load - 10 cubic yards - every three seconds.

With the sticky molten rock comes a steady drumfire of small earthquakes.

The movement of lava up through the southwest Washington volcano is "like a sticky piston trying to rise in a rusty cylinder," U.S. Geological Survey geologist Dave Sherrod said Thursday in a telephone interview from the agency's Cascades Volcano Observatory in Vancouver, Wash.

USGS Update 2005-Dec-30 08:15

2005-12-30T09:26:00.000-08:00

Recent observations: Overnight, there has been no significant change in the level of seismic activity. Earthquake and ground deformation patterns remain blisteringly unchanged from recent trends. There have been no visual observations of the new dome growth since December 18. Continuing inclement winter weather conditions this week will likely prevent any field work.

USGS Update 2005-Dec-29 08:45

2005-12-29T09:02:00.000-08:00

Recent observations: Overnight, there has been no significant change in the level of seismic activity. Patterns of earthquakes and ground deformation remain unchanged from recent trends. There have been no visual observations of the new dome growth since December 18. Inclement weather conditions this week will likely prevent any field work.

USGS Update 2005-Dec-28 09:15

2005-12-28T09:50:00.000-08:00

Recent observations: Patterns of earthquakes and ground deformation remain unchanged from recent trends. There have been no visual observations of the new dome growth since December 18. Inclement weather conditions this week will likely prevent any field work.

USGS Update 2005-Dec-27 08:00

2005-12-27T10:01:00.000-08:00

Recent observations: The eruption continues by the slow extrusion of dacite lava within the crater of Mount St. Helens. Seismicity is marked by the repetitive small earthquakes, occuring every 2-3 minutes, that have come to characterize the past 15 months. Tiltmeters within 500 m of the new lava dome show minute ground deformation; whereas the volcano’s flanks are quiet. Currently, however, we’re missing two of our standard monitoring tools. A problem with satellite communications has interrupted the data from GPS receivers situated within the crater; and welcomed winter storms have kept us from visual observations of the volcano since December 18.

USGS Update 2005-Dec-26 10:30

2005-12-26T10:58:00.000-08:00

Recent observations: Patterns of earthquakes and ground deformation remain unchanged from recent trends. Yesterday evening, a magnitude 2.8 earthquake, one of the larger of typical events, occurred at shallow depth beneath the dome at 7:47:52 p.m. No visual observations of the new dome have been made since December 18 owing to inclement weather. We suspect that a reported red bag of gifts within the crater is really nothing more than hot rock glowing incandescently fromcracks as the lava dome continues its inexorable growth.

USGS Update 2005-Dec-25 06:45

2005-12-25T11:07:00.000-08:00

Recent observations: Small rock falls continue from the growing lava dome. Larger ones may produce ash plumes that are visible above the crater rim. Patterns of earthquakes and ground deformation remain unchanged from recent trends. A small increase in RSAM levels occurred over night, but the increase is waning to levels consistent with levels recorded over the last week. There have been no visual observations of the new dome growth since December 18.

USGS Update 2005-Dec-24 07:00

2005-12-24T09:20:00.000-08:00

USGS Update 2005-Dec-23 08:15

2005-12-23T09:26:00.000-08:00

Recent observations: Small rock falls continue from the growing lava dome. Larger ones may produce ash plumes that are visible above the crater rim. Patterns of earthquakes and ground deformation remain unchanged from recent trends. Poor weather conditions this week have prevented any field work. There have been no visual observations of the new dome growth since December 18.

USGS Update 2005-Dec-22 10:00

2005-12-22T10:20:00.000-08:00

Recent observations: Small rock falls continue from the growing lava dome. Larger ones may produce ash plumes that are visible above the crater rim. Patterns of earthquakes and ground deformation remain unchanged from recent trends. A small to moderate seismic event was recorded on crater stations at 05:57 this morning. Weather conditions this week will likely prevent any field work.

USGS Update 2005-Dec-21 11:45

2005-12-21T12:20:00.000-08:00

Recent observations: Small rock falls continue from the growing lava dome. Larger ones may produce ash plumes that are visible above the crater rim. Patterns of earthquakes and ground deformation remain unchanged from recent trends. Weather conditions this week will likely prevent any field work and has prevented visual observations since December 18.

USGS Update 2005-Dec-20 09:45

2005-12-20T10:35:00.000-08:00

USGS Update 2005-Dec-19 11:45

2005-12-19T12:49:00.000-08:00

USGS Update 2005-Dec-18 10:45

2005-12-19T09:11:00.000-08:00

Potential ash hazards: Wind forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), coupled with eruption models, show that ash clouds that rise up to about 15,000 feet above the crater rim (about 23,000 feet above sea level) today would drift to the northwest. Higher-altitude ash clouds would also drift to the northwest early in the day, shifting to the north to northeast later in the day.

USGS Update 2005-Dec-17 04:00

2005-12-17T10:19:00.000-08:00

Recent views from fixed cameras

Potential ash hazards: Wind forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), coupled with eruption models, show that ash clouds that rise up to about 15,000 feet above the crater rim (about 23,000 feet above sea level) today would drift to the south and southwest. Higher-altitude ash clouds would also drift to the south and southwest.

USGS Update 2005-Dec-16 09:00

2005-12-16T10:34:00.000-08:00

Potential ash hazards: Wind forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), coupled with eruption models, show that ash clouds that rise up to about 15,000 feet above the crater rim (about 23,000 feet above sea level) today would drift westward to southward, but higher-altitude ash clouds would drift southwestward, shifting by late afternoon, south-southeastward.

Recent observations: Small rock falls continue from the growing lava dome. Larger ones may produce ash plumes that are visible above the crater rim. Patterns of earthquakes and ground deformation remain unchanged from recent trends. Field parties yesterday dredged rock samples from the actively growing spine, repaired the telemetry system, and retrieved a damaged seismic station from the old dome, which had tipped over owing to ice accumulation on its antenna.

USGS Update 2005-Dec-15 09:00

2005-12-15T09:23:00.000-08:00

Potential ash hazards: Wind forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), coupled with eruption models, show that ash clouds that rise up to about 15,000 feet above the crater rim (about 23,000 feet above sea level) today would drift northwestward, but higher- altitude ash clouds would drift southeastward.

Recent observations: Small rock falls continue from the growing lava dome. Larger ones may produce ash plumes that are visible above the crater rim. Patterns of earthquakes and ground deformation remain unchanged from recent trends. Repeat images from fixed cameras within the crater and at the crater rim show that the seventh lava spine continues to push upward and southwestward from a source just south of the 1980- to-1986 dome.

USGS Update 2005-Dec-14 10:30

2005-12-14T11:15:00.000-08:00

Aerial views taken on 2005-Dec-11

Potential ash hazards: Wind forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), coupled with eruption models, show that ash clouds that rise up to about 15,000 feet above the crater rim (about 23,000 feet above sea level) today would drift southwestward to northwestward; higher-altitude ash clouds would drift east-southeastward.

Recent observations: Small rock falls continue from the growing lava dome. Larger ones may produce ash plumes that are visible above the crater rim. Patterns of earthquakes and ground deformation remain unchanged from recent trends. The volume of the dome measured on October 24, 2005, was 70 million cubic meters—about 90% of the volume of the 1980-to-1986 dome.

USGS Update 2005-Dec-13 10:00

2005-12-13T10:32:00.000-08:00

Recent observations: Small rock falls continue from the growing lava dome. Larger ones may produce ash plumes that are visible above the crater rim. Patterns of earthquakes and ground deformation remain unchanged from recent trends. The volume of the dome measured on October 24, 2005, was 70 million cubic meters—about 90% of the volume of the 1980-to-1986 dome.

USGS Update 2005-Dec-12 10:45

2005-12-12T12:00:00.000-08:00

Potential ash hazards: Wind forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), coupled with eruption models, show that any ash clouds that rise above the crater rim early today would drift broadly west to northeast at low levels, northeast at high levels and east to southeast later in the day.

News Report Update

2005-12-11T18:37:00.000-08:00

Scientists plotting mission into crater of Mount St. Helens 2005-Dec-10 12:19 from The Portland Oregonian

MOUNT ST. HELENS, Wash. (AP) — As Mount St. Helens continues pumping out lava, scientists at the U.S. Geological Survey are plotting a possible mission into the crater floor.

They want to explore the smooth face of part of the lava dome that pushed out of the volcano several months ago. It's largely intact from the time it oozed out of the volcano's vent as a whaleback-shaped hump earlier this year.

The extrusion sits along the east side of the crater, an estimated 1,300 to 1,600 feet from the active part of the dome.

USGS Update 2005-Dec-11 10:15

2005-12-11T10:31:00.000-08:00

USGS Update 2005-Dec-10 08:50

2005-12-10T09:52:00.000-08:00

Aerial views taken on 2005-Dec-08

Potential ash hazards: Wind forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), coupled with eruption models, show that any ash clouds that rise above the crater rim today would drift westward to west-northwestward at low elevations and broadly northwestward to southeastward at higher elevations.

Recent observations: Clear conditions at the volcano this morning provide optimal viewing conditions. Lava continues to extrude and grow the dome. A rockfall off the dome at 6:32 this morning sent a small ash plume above rim level, which then rapidly dissipated. Further rockfalls could generate similar plumes later today, which may be visible from the metropolitan area. Seismicity continues its ongoing procession of tiny “drumbeat” earthquakes about every one to two minutes. Overall, the rate of seismic energy release remains relatively low, and other monitoring data are within the range of their typical recent values.

USGS Update 2005-Dec-09 09:15

2005-12-09T09:46:00.000-08:00

Aerial views taken on 2005-Dec-06

November remote views

Recent observations: One of the sporadic, larger (magnitude 2.8) earthquakes that characterize the ongoing eruption occurred shortly before 9 a.m. today and evidently generated some rock fall. The rock fall sent up a small diffuse ash plume that was faintly visible from the Portland metropolitan area. Photographs of the growing lava dome from yesterday’s observation flight should be on our web site later today. All monitoring data remain within typical ranges of seismicity and ground deformation.

Update:

From the CVO VolcanoCam website:
"Road Trip!! Today we are going to Mount St. Helens to perform maintenance on the VolcanoCam and check all network connections. We have been waiting for this favorable weather window for weeks."

USGS Update 2005-Dec-08 10:10

2005-12-08T11:44:00.000-08:00

Recent observations: Field crews are taking advantage of today’s clear weather to work on telemetry linkages and to make visual observations. The active part of the lava dome has become visually bigger, but as yet we cannot quantify the change. At 10:40pm Wednesday a relatively large earthquake punctuated the on-going procession of small “drumbeat” earthquakes. Otherwise, patterns of seismicity and deformation remain unchanged.

USGS Update 2005-Dec-07 09:00

2005-12-07T10:34:00.000-08:00

Potential ash hazards: Wind forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), coupled with eruption models, show that any ash clouds that rise above the crater rim today would drift northwestward at low altitudes and east-southeastward at higher altitudes early in the day changing to northwestward to northward later.

Recent observations: Aerial observations yesterday revealed the source of the thin ash deposit that coats the crater’s south wall and, as seen from the Portland metropolitan area, extends down the outer south flank as a faint brownish-gray streak. Hot rock fall from the south side of the actively growing part of the new lava dome was the culprit. Fresh rock debris lies at the base of the dome and thick ash lies on adjacent newly fallen snow on the fractured glacier. Although no precise measurements are available, the active part of the dome is noticeably higher and broader than when last seen two weeks ago.

USGS Update 2005-Dec-06 09:30

2005-12-06T09:56:00.000-08:00

Potential ash hazards: Wind forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), coupled with eruption models, show that any ash clouds that rise above the crater rim today would drift southeastward, although low level winds later in the day could also carry ash in a northwestward direction.

Recent observations: Clear conditions reveal the volcano emitting a moderate vapor plume this morning. The well-established pattern of tiny “drumbeat” earthquakes continues at a rate of one every one to two minutes and other monitoring data remain in typical ranges. Despite the continuing procession of earthquakes, the overall seismic energy release is very low compared to that of early phases of the eruption. Improving weather conditions over the next few days hopefully will allow some visual observations of the volcano.

USGS Update 2005-Dec-05 10:00

2005-12-05T10:26:00.000-08:00

Recent observations: In a by now well-established pattern, tiny “drumbeat” earthquakes continue at a rate of one every one to two minutes and other monitoring data remain in typical ranges. Hopefully slightly improved weather conditions over the next few days will allow some visual observation of the volcano.

USGS Update 2005-Dec-04 09:00

2005-12-04T10:39:00.000-08:00

Recent observations: There have been no significant changes in the pattern of activity during the past 24 hours. Stormy weather continues to preclude visual observations and field operations at the volcano.

USGS Update 2005-Dec-03 08:00

2005-12-03T09:43:00.000-08:00

Recent observations: There have been no significant changes in the pattern of activity during the past 24 hours. Stormy weather continues to preclude field operations at the volcano.

USGS Update 2005-Dec-02 10:00

2005-12-02T10:32:00.000-08:00

Recent observations: There have been no significant changes in the pattern of activity during the past 24 hours. Stormy weather continues to preclude field operations at the volcano.

USGS Update 2005-Dec-01 10:00

2005-12-01T12:30:00.000-08:00

Recent observations: There have been no significant changes in the pattern of activity during the past 24 hours. Yesterday a field crew made minor repairs to data acquisition and telemetry equipment at Coldwater Visitor Center. Stormy weather will likely preclude field operations for the remainder of this week.

USGS Update 2005-Nov-30 10:00

2005-11-30T10:04:00.000-08:00

Recent observations: There have been no significant changes in the pattern of activity during the past 24 hours. Stormy weather will likely preclude field operations for the remainder of this week.

USGS Update 2005-Nov-29 10:00

2005-11-29T10:37:00.000-08:00

Recent observations: There have been no significant changes in the pattern of activity during the past 24 hours. Recent measurements indicate that volcanic gas emission rates remain low. Stormy weather will likely preclude field operations for the remainder of this week.

USGS Update 2005-Nov-28 10:00

2005-11-28T10:21:00.000-08:00

Potential ash hazards: Wind forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), coupled with eruption models, show that any ash clouds that rise above the crater rim today would drift northwestward at low altitude and east-southeastward at higher altitudes early in the day, and northward to northeastward later in the day.

Recent observations: There have been no significant changes in the pattern of activity during the past 24 hours. Stormy weather forecast for the coming week will likely preclude field operations.

USGS Update 2005-Nov-27 10:00

2005-11-27T10:08:00.000-08:00

Recent observations: Icicles partially blocked a clear early morning view from the VolcanoCam. Weather related outages of a satellite communications link continue to plague reception of data streams from some of the crater seismic and deformation instruments. Most monitoring data are being received continuously, and they show no significant change in deformation trends and ongoing small “drumbeat” earthquakes, the signal of dome extrusion, every one to two minutes.

USGS Update 2005-Nov-26 10:15

2005-11-26T10:19:00.000-08:00

Recent observations: Stormy weather in the mountains is obscuring any views of the volcano this morning. A satellite telemetry link that brings in some of the seismic and geodetic data from the volcano appears to have gone down again late yesterday morning. Other stations, on which event alarms are keyed, are being received continuously. The data streams coming in indicate that the level of eruptive activity remains unchanged.

USGS Update 2005-Nov-25 09:30

2005-11-25T10:43:00.000-08:00

Recent observations: The volcano is obscured by clouds this morning as a winter storm moves through the area. At times, strong winds accompanying the storm may increase the background noise level on some of the seismometers around the volcano. Data from field instruments indicate that the level of eruptive activity remains unchanged from that of recent weeks.

USGS Update 2005-Nov-24 10:00

2005-11-24T10:18:00.000-08:00

Recent observations: The crater of the volcano is currently clear, but clouds are moving into the area. Seismic and geodetic data from field instruments indicate that eruptive activity remains unchanged from recent trends.

USGS Update 2005-Nov-23 10:00

2005-11-23T09:56:00.000-08:00

Fixed location views taken on 2005-Nov-21/22

Potential ash hazards: Wind forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), coupled with eruption models, show that any ash clouds that rise above the crater rim today would drift northward at low altitudes and northwestward to northeastward at high altitudes early in the day and northward to southeastward at all altitudes later in the day.

Recent observations: Two notable rockfalls occurred yesterday, one just before noon and another shortly after 3:00 PM. Both produced a dilute ash cloud that rose to a couple of thousand feet above the crater rim. These types of events are common during dome growth. Seismicity remains unchanged with earthquakes occurring on average about every one to two minutes. Yesterday, field crews made airborne gas measurements and finished installing the new tiltmeter.

News Report Update

2005-11-22T17:33:00.000-08:00

Rockfall plumes draw attention to simmering volcano 2005-Nov-22 15:30 from The Seattle Post-Intellegencer

VANCOUVER, Wash. -- Rockfall at Mount St. Helens kicked up a dust plume Tuesday that rose above the rim of the volcano's crater, drawing attention in the region.

"It's a nice sunny day and we're having the first couple of rockfalls that we've had in a while that are putting little dust plumes over the crater rim," said U.S. Geological Survey geologist Seth Moran at the agency's Cascade Volcano Observatory here, about 50 miles south of the mountain that erupted to deadly effect in May 1980.
also in
St. Helens puts on a (small) show 2005-Nov-22 16:29 from KING (Ch. 5) Seattle

ST. HELENS, Wash. – Mount St. Helens pushed a column of steam tinged with ash about 10,000 feet into the air late Tuesday afternoon.

Seismographs near the mountain did not record any earthquake activity associated with the burst and a spokesman for the USGS said the burst was not an explosive eruption, but a condensation plume caused by rockfall.

USGS Update 2005-Nov-22 10:55

2005-11-22T12:14:00.000-08:00

Recent observations: Clear conditions show the growing lava dome emitting a modest steam plume this morning. Seismicity remains unchanged with earthquakes occurring on average about every one to two minutes. Crews are in the field today to finish winterizing the newly installed tiltmeter and to make airborne gas measurements.

USGS Update 2005-Nov-21 08:35

2005-11-21T09:09:00.000-08:00

Potential ash hazards: Wind forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), coupled with eruption models, show that any ash clouds that rise above the crater rim today would drift westward at low altitudes and southward at higher altitudes early in the day and westward at all altitudes later. Forecast wind speeds remain low, so any ash clouds would drift slowly.

Recent observations: The growing lava dome is clear this morning with only minor fuming from several persistent areas of gas release. Seismicity remains remarkably constant. If wind conditions tomorrow permit, scientists will make aerial measurements of gas emissions. No other field work is planned for this week.

USGS Update 2005-Nov-20 10:25

2005-11-20T11:16:00.000-08:00

Potential ash hazards: Wind forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), coupled with eruption models, show that any ash clouds that rise above the crater rim today would drift eastward early in the day and east-southeastward later. Low-altitude winds are light and variable so any low-altitude ash clouds would drift slowly.

Recent observations: A weak vapor plume is rising from the actively growing western part of the new lava dome this morning. Seismic and ground-deformation data remain within well-established patterns.

USGS Update 2005-Nov-19 08:50

2005-11-19T09:13:00.000-08:00

Potential ash hazards: Wind forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), coupled with eruption models, show that any ash clouds that rise above the crater rim today would drift northwestward to northward at all elevations early, remain in that trajectory at low elevations all day, but shift to a northeastward trajectory at high elevations later in the day.

Recent observations: Over the past few days, crews successfully installed a tiltmeter in the crater and new cameras at the crater mouth and on the east crater rim, repaired and replaced seismometers and installed a new GPS on the new lava dome, repaired communications linkages, and collected new thermal imagery. Views from various vantage points show clearly that the active part of the new lava dome has risen several tens of meters since latter October, demonstrating without doubt that dome growth continues. This growth continues to be accompanied by a remarkably regular and repetitive series of small earthquakes. Clear conditions at the volcano this morning reveal a vapor plume emitting from the area of active growth.

USGS Photo Update

2005-11-18T19:09:00.000-08:00

Views taken on 2005-Nov-17

A variety of views taken during clear weather on 2005-Nov-17.

USGS Update 2005-Nov-18 09:30

2005-11-18T09:50:00.000-08:00

Potential ash hazards: Wind forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), coupled with eruption models, show that any ash clouds that rise above the crater rim today would drift slowly and in widely differing directions owing to light and variable winds. Dominant directions are westward and eastward at low altitudes and, at higher altitudes, southeastward early in the day to southwestward later.

Recent observations: Crews had a successful day in the field yesterday and are out again today. Final work on the new tiltmeter and camera sites, as well as a thermal-imaging flight, is underway. A camera set up on the old lava dome will take an hours-long sequence of close-up photographs of the active extrusion to gage the rate of activity. Monitoring data show no significant changes in well-established patterns of seismicity and ground deformation.

USGS Update 2005-Nov-17 09:30

2005-11-17T09:45:00.000-08:00

Potential ash hazards: Wind forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), coupled with eruption models, show that any ash clouds that rise above the crater rim today would drift westward to northward at low altitudes and eastward to southeastward at higher altitudes. Wind speeds are forecast to be low so any ash clouds would move away from the volcano sluggishly.

Recent observations: Field crews got an early start this morning. One crew is currently installing another tiltmeter on the old lava dome. Others are getting ready to deploy an additional camera near the northwest crater mouth, recover and deploy seismic and GPS spiders on the new lava dome, and repair some telemetry equipment. Views from the camera installed on the south crater rim show continued growth of the active part of the new lava dome over the past three weeks.

USGS Update 2005-Nov-16 08:15

2005-11-16T09:04:00.000-08:00

Recent observations: All data communications links are functioning again, and the data streaming in show no significant change in eruptive activity. At 10:55 pm (local time) Tuesday another moderate-sized earthquake (M2.7) occurred amidst the ongoing background of small drumbeat earthquakes. Clear weather at the mountain this morning reveals a moderate vapor plume enveloping a snow-clad lava dome. Tomorrow, if the weather holds, field crews plan to retrieve, repair, and install new instrumentation, and on Friday to collect new aerial photography and thermal imagery.

USGS Update 2005-Nov-15 08:55

2005-11-15T09:31:00.000-08:00

Recent observations: Outages to a satellite communications link continue to plague receipt of data streams from some of the crater seismic and deformation instrumentation. However, data streams from key seismic and deformation stations continue to be received, and those instruments show no significant changes in seismic or deformation trends of recent weeks. With good weather expected to hold, field crews have plans this week to install a new tiltmeter, deploy a new GPS instrument and new cameras, retrieve and repair a seismometer, and collect new aerial photography and thermal imagery.

USGS Update 2005-Nov-14 10:15

2005-11-14T10:30:00.000-08:00

Recent observations: A moderately sized earthquake (M2.6) occurred last night amidst the ongoing series of small, drumbeat earthquakes. Otherwise seismicity and deformation continue trends of recent weeks. Field crews hope to take advantage of good weather this week to retrieve, repair, and install field instrumentation.

USGS Update 2005-Nov-13 10:50

2005-11-13T11:02:00.000-08:00

Recent observations: The disrupted satellite-telemetry link that brings in some of the data from monitoring stations is operating once again. The problem appears to be that build-up of wet sticky snow on the dish antenna causes loss of signals. Seismic and deformation data continue trends of recent weeks and suggest no significant change in eruptive activity. An encouraging weather forecast for the coming week may allow for some field operations.

USGS Update 2005-Nov-12 08:50

2005-11-12T09:32:00.000-08:00

Potential ash hazards: Wind forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), coupled with eruption models, show that any ash clouds that rise above the crater rim today would drift eastward to east-southeastward early in the day and eastward to east-northeastward later in the day.

Recent observations: Signals from a few crater seismometers have experienced intermittent outage again due to weather-related interruptions to one particular communications link. However, other stations on which alarms are keyed are transmitted through multiple pathways, and their signals are received continuously. As winter grips the mountain, intermittent signal outage from some instruments may recur. The robust data stream coming in indicates no significant change in eruptive activity.

USGS Update 2005-Nov-11 08:50

2005-11-11T09:34:00.000-08:00

Aerial views taken on 2005-Nov-09

Recent observations: Broken clouds flirt with the volcano this morning and provide intermittent views of the crater. The data streams coming in show that the remarkably regular, small “drumbeat” earthquakes continue to occur about every one to two minutes. Results of Wednesday’s gas flight show that gas emissions remain low and are similar to those measured on the previous several flights.

USGS Update 2005-Nov-10 08:25

2005-11-10T09:50:00.000-08:00

Recent observations: Both USGS and USFS field crews had busy days yesterday repairing communications links and camera circuitry, retrieving and repairing seismometers, and measuring volcanic gases. Images are again streaming from the USFS VolcanoCam, and communications with crater seismometers and remote USGS cameras at the mountain have been reestablished. Images from those remote cameras show that the active part of the lava dome continues to grow and has risen visibly since the end of October. Seismicity and other monitoring data remain unchanged from recent trends.

USGS Update 2005-Nov-09 09:00

2005-11-09T09:32:00.000-08:00

Potential ash hazards: Wind forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), coupled with eruption models, show that any ash clouds that rise above the crater rim today would drift lazily northwestward to northeastward at low elevation and strongly southeastward at high elevations early in the day, then shift to east-northeastward trajectories at all elevations later in the day.

Recent observations: A lack of signals from cameras inhibits remote viewing of the volcano today. Clear views from town indicate that the volcano is emitting a vapor plume, likely similar to the one observed during a brief aerial reconnaissance of the crater late Monday afternoon. Field crews will attempt to exploit the good weather today to measure volcanic gases and retrieve and repair a couple of seismometers in the crater. Seismicity and other monitoring data remain unchanged from recent trends.

USGS Update 2005-Nov-08 09:15

2005-11-08T09:51:00.000-08:00

Recent observations: A brief aerial reconnaissance of the crater late yesterday afternoon showed little observable change from our last views on October 30. A vapor plume rose from the actively growing part of the lava dome and concealed the area where dome growth is probably concentrated. The plume drifted over the crater rim and created a pretty view from the metropolitan area. Seismicity and other monitoring data remain unchanged from recent trends.

USGS Update 2005-Nov-07 09:10

2005-11-07T09:48:00.000-08:00

Recent observations: We haven’t had views of the volcano for several days owing to ongoing storminess. Remote cameras are probably covered with rime ice and drifted snow. Seismic and geodetic data from field instruments indicate that eruptive activity remains unchanged from recent trends.

USGS Update 2005-Nov-06 10:45

2005-11-06T18:00:00.000-08:00

Recent observations: Scientists have traced the cause of the recent loss of signals from several crater seismic stations to a combination of ice and strong winds that slightly rotated a satellite-telemetry antenna. Once the wind drops, we should be able to realign the antenna and get the signals back. The current weather-related problems demonstrate the need for our redundant telemetry paths (ground-based radio and satellite) and dual bases (Vancouver and Seattle), which provide robustness to the monitoring system. Eruptive activity remains unchanged from recent patterns.

USGS Update 2005-Nov-05 08:40

2005-11-05T11:27:00.000-08:00

Potential ash hazards: Wind forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), coupled with eruption models, show that any ash clouds that rise above the crater rim today would drift eastward early and shift to a more eastward to east-northeastward trajectory later in the day.

Recent observations: Intermittent loss of signals from crater seismic and GPS stations indicate that stations remain functional but that probable snow and ice buildup on antennae are interrupting radio transmissions. With winter settling in at the mountain, such intermittent disruptions may become commonplace. This morning, clouds continue to obscure the volcano. The data stream coming in, however, indicates no significant change in eruptive activity.

USGS Update 2005-Nov-04 09:15

2005-11-04T11:03:00.000-08:00

Aerial views taken on 2005-Oct-30

Recent observations: We have experienced the first impairment or loss of field instruments during this first major snowfall of the winter season. Deep snow and icing typically take a toll on solar panels, transmitting antennas, and other components. Seismic station NED on the old lava dome stopped transmitting this morning. It appears that the GPS spider that is riding on the west glacier may now be buried and its radio signals blocked. Most seismic and GPS stations on the old and new lava domes lie in areas of warm ground that will hopefully not accumulate deep snow. We maintain a cache of spare parts and, if sites are damaged, we are prepared to make needed repairs as soon as weather conditions allow

USGS Update 2005-Nov-03 08:40

2005-11-03T10:09:00.000-08:00

Recent observations: Thick storm clouds obscure the volcano this morning, and the forecast is for continued storminess over the next several days. There has been no significant change in the degree or character of seismicity over the past few days. Small, repetitive “drumbeat” earthquakes continue to occur once every one to two minutes, with an occasional larger earthquake superposed.

USGS Update 2005-Nov-02 09:25

2005-11-02T09:49:00.000-08:00

Recent observations: Clouds obscure the volcano again this morning. The view from the VolcanoCam shows the snow level well below the crater. As long as cold temperatures persist, the threat of small rainfall-induced debris flows from the crater is diminished. Remarkably regular small earthquakes continue to occur at a rate of about one every one to two minutes. When the weather improves, field crews will try to obtain observations.

USGS Spirit Lake Camera Images

2005-11-01T18:17:00.000-08:00

Spirit Lake Camera

The USGS has made available a series of images of Mt.St.Helens taken over the summer from a fixed location.

The Spirit Lake "VolcanoCam" was developed by Winston Stokes and placed in the field on June 29, 2005. ... The camera is approximately five and one half miles from Mount St. Helens volcano and just catches a glimpse of the Mount St. Helens crater and dome. ... The following collection is a sampling from over 1,000 images taken between June 29 and September 23, 2005. Not all the images were selected for their view of the dome. Some are simply interesting and/or dramatic.

USGS Update 2005-Nov-01 09:20

2005-11-01T10:09:00.000-08:00

Recent observations: Clouds continue to obscure the volcano although views from the VolcanoCam late yesterday afternoon showed a small vapor plume rising off parts of the growing lava dome. Small repetitive “drumbeat” earthquakes, the signal of dome extrusion, continue at a remarkably regular rate of about one every minute and a half. The weather forecast for the week suggests that we won’t be able to get into the field and that views of the dome will be limited.

USGS Update 2005-Oct-31 10:25

2005-10-31T10:42:00.000-08:00

Recent observations: Almost 10 centimeters (4 inches) of rain fell overnight in the crater on recently fallen snow. This increased stream flows and triggered a small debris flow at about 5:30 this morning (PST) in Loowit channel. The debris flow was not large enough to extend very far down the fan at the crater mouth, but it is a reminder of the potential hazards from debris flows triggered by rain or eruptive events. Storm clouds continue to obscure the volcano, but data from field sites indicates no significant change in the level of eruptive activity.

USGS Update 2005-Oct-30 11:00

2005-10-30T11:18:00.000-08:00

Recent observations: Intermittently clear views this morning from the VolcanoCam show a small vapor plume rising off the growing lava dome. There have been no significant changes in seismic and deformation data during the past day. Today is the last day that the Johnston Ridge Observatory will be open before it closes for the winter. Tomorrow Coldwater Ridge Visitors Center begins winter hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Monday).

USGS Update 2005-Oct-29 09:30

2005-10-29T10:09:00.000-07:00

Recent observations: Clouds obscure the volcano this morning. Overnight there has been no significant change in seismic or other activity. Recent analyses of images from remote cameras at the mountain show clearly that a spine of lava, broadly covered by rockfall debris, continues to emerge.

USGS Update 2005-Oct-28 10:30

2005-10-28T16:48:00.000-07:00

Recent observations: Stormy weather continues to block views of the volcano. Seismic, GPS, and tilt data from field instruments show no significant changes from recent trends.

USGS Update 2005-Oct-27 08:50

2005-10-27T10:15:00.000-07:00

Recent observations: Mostly clear conditions this morning reveal a mountain cloaked in new snow cover and emitting a moderate steam plume. Clouds and stronger winds are expected to develop as the day progresses, so flank seismometers may again be affected by wind noise. The level of eruptive activity remains unchanged from recent trends.

USGS Update 2005-Oct-26 09:50

2005-10-26T10:52:00.000-07:00

Recent observations: Yesterday, scientists were able to gage the flow rate of a crater stream, collect water samples, and download data from sensors placed in several springs. Clouds stymied other planned work. Strong winds late in the day and evening made lots of noise on flank seismometers such as Studebaker, June Lake, and Cedar Flats, but a magnitude 2+ earthquake is embedded in the storm noise shortly after 8 pm PDT. The level of eruptive activity remains unchanged from recent trends.

USGS Update 2005-Oct-25 09:15

2005-10-25T09:43:00.000-07:00

Recent observations: Clouds are gradually building at the volcano this morning and weather conditions are expected to deteriorate as the day progresses. The average size of small, background drumbeat earthquakes has picked up a bit over the past few days causing a minor increase in the seismic energy release. GPS sensors in the crater, however, show little change in movement. This eruption has been characterized by episodes of waxing and waning seismicity, so the current minor increase does not constitute a significant change in activity. When weather allows, field crews plan to install water sensor probes and collect samples from creeks draining the crater, to replace and install new cameras, and to obtain new aerial photography.

USGS Update 2005-Oct-24 10:20

2005-10-24T11:22:00.000-07:00

Recent observations: This morning’s camera views from around the volcano show a diffuse white vapor, volcanic gas, and minor dust plume rising from the actively growing part of the lava dome and drifting out of the crater mouth. Seismic and deformation data remain unchanged.

USGS Update 2005-Oct-23 10:20

2005-10-23T15:50:00.000-07:00

Recent observations: The volcano is mostly clear above lowland clouds this morning. Atmospheric conditions are conducive for creating a visible vapor plume that is drifting out of the mouth of the crater toward the northeast. GPS and seismic data remain unchanged from recent trends. Tiny “drumbeat” earthquakes continue to occur at a rate of about one every minute and a half. Larger earthquakes up to about M=2.5 occur once every few hours

USGS Update 2005-Oct-22 09:00

2005-10-22T09:28:00.000-07:00

Potential ash hazards: Wind forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), coupled with eruption models, show that any ash clouds that rise above the crater rim today would drift north-northwestward to northward early and shift to a north-northeastward trajectory later in the day.

Recent observations: Clear conditions this morning reveal minor steam and dust plumes drifting away from the volcano. The server glitch associated with the PNSN website continues to periodically disrupt display of seismic records again today, and seismologists are actively pursuing the problem. The data stream from instruments in the field is not affected, and that stream indicates no significant change in eruptive activity.

USGS Update 2005-Oct-21 09:45

2005-10-21T09:54:00.000-07:00

Potential ash hazards: Wind forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), coupled with eruption models, show that any ash clouds that rise above the crater rim today would drift northwestward to northeastward at low elevations and eastward at high elevations early in the day, then northward to north-northeastward later in the day.

Recent observations: Clear conditions show the volcano emitting a moderate steam plume this morning. There have been no significant changes in seismicity or deformation over the past several days. A glitch following a server upgrade at the PNSN site yesterday caused a temporary outage of the display of seismic records on the web. This glitch affected only the display, and not the collection, of seismic data. Results of a gas flight on Tuesday show that SO₂, CO₂, and H₂S emissions were similar to those measured during the previous flight a few weeks ago and remain very low. Analysis of recent camera images indicates that the dome continues to extrude at a linear rate of about 2 to 3 meters per day (6 to 10 feet per day).

USGS Update 2005-Oct-20 10:00

2005-10-20T10:30:00.000-07:00

Views taken on 2005-Oct-18

Recent observations: Clouds obscure the volcano this morning following about an inch of rainfall overnight, which moderately increased stream flows in the crater. Seismic, GPS, and tilt data show no significant changes from recent trends. Oblique aerial photographs taken in October 2004 and the past Tuesday from nearly the same location illustrate well the remarkable changes that have taken place in the crater over the past year.

USGS Update 2005-Oct-19 10:30

2005-10-19T10:45:00.000-07:00

Recent observations: Scientists had a productive day in the field yesterday. They retrieved two seismic stations (portable spiders) from the crater and replaced batteries to last through the winter and made other repairs, collected a batch of rocks from the actively growing part of the lava dome, and made a measurement of gas flux. Final results of the gas flight await further analysis, but values appear to be largely unchanged from recent measurements. Two sets of photographs, each covering several hours, were collected from a point about 400 meters from the active lava dome. The photographs, taken at 10-second intervals, will reveal details about the rate of lava extrusion.

USGS Update 2005-Oct-18 09:10

2005-10-18T09:40:00.000-07:00

Recent observations: Clouds and wind cancelled yesterday’s field work, but crews are out today to repair several instruments in the crater, measure gas flux from the volcano, collect rock samples, and obtain several hours of high-resolution time-lapse photographs of the vent area. The latest digital elevation model of the new lava dome, which was created from aerial photographs taken on August 10, shows that the volume had grown to 62 million cubic meters (81 million cubic yards). The average rate of growth during late July and early August was about 2 cubic meters per second, a rate that has typified most of 2005.

USGS Update 2005-Oct-17 08:45

2005-10-17T09:11:00.000-07:00

Recent observations: The crater is clear above the lowland clouds and crews may head to the field to perform a variety of tasks if visibility improves. Monitoring data from seismic, GPS, and tilt instruments indicate that no significant changes in eruptive conditions have occurred during the past few days.

USGS Update 2005-Oct-16 10:25

2005-10-16T11:37:00.000-07:00

Recent observations: The slight increase in seismic-energy release that began about October 7 has ended and energy levels are now decreasing slowly. Such cycles are becoming characteristic of the ongoing eruption. During the past few weeks a prominent linear feature has developed on the disintegrating whaleback that grew during last spring and summer and now lies east of the actively growing part of the new lava dome. In this photograph the linear, blade-like feature lies in shadow in the center of the three distinct masses that form the new lava dome. Although it appears that the feature is being actively thrust upward, it is merely being exhumed as fractured lava spalls away from it.

USGS Update 2005-Oct-15 09:30

2005-10-15T10:08:00.000-07:00

Recent observations: Clouds obscure views of the volcano today. Overnight, there has been no significant change in the level of seismic activity of deformation. In general, plots of seismic energy release suggest that the recent minor increase in activity may be leveling off. High winds canceled planned field work yesterday. Next week if weather and winds are suitable, field crews will measure gases, winterize seismic stations, and collect new rock samples.

USGS Update 2005-Oct-14 09:50

2005-10-14T10:04:00.000-07:00

Aerial views taken on 2005-Oct-11

Recent observations: The slow increase in seismic energy release during the past few days continues as the size and rate of the tiny drumbeat earthquakes increase slightly. The size and rate of larger earthquakes (magnitude 1-2) appear to be unchanged. Such episodes of waxing, followed by waning, seismicity have occurred several times during the eruption and have not been accompanied by notable changes in eruptive behavior. If weather and winds cooperate, field crews may try to collect new rock samples and winterize instrument sites later today.

USGS Update 2005-Oct-13 09:00

2005-10-13T09:45:00.000-07:00

Recent observations: Rainy weather today has cancelled field plans and obscured the crater. The slow increase in seismic energy release during the past few days continues as the size and rate of the tiny drumbeat earthquakes increase slightly and larger earthquakes (magnitude 1-2) occur a bit more often. Such increases, followed by decreases, have characterized the current eruption and have not been accompanied by notable changes in eruptive behavior.

USGS Update 2005-Oct-12 09:30

2005-10-12T10:05:00.000-07:00

Potential ash hazards: Wind forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), coupled with eruption models, show that any ash clouds that rise above the crater rim today would drift northward at low altitudes and eastward at higher altitudes early in the day and east-northeastward at all altitudes later in the day.

Recent observations: Field crews are out again today winterizing broadband seismometers and setting out control points for a new set of aerial photographs. If winds aren’t too strong, we’ll also conduct a gas-sensing flight. Observations made yesterday in the helicopter show that westward growth of the new lava dome has so squeezed and thickened the west arm of the glacier that the highest point on the glacier now stands above the summit of the old lava dome.