Mount Saint Helens had been spitting steam and minor quantities of ash for several months at the time of this photo, while growing a prominent lava dome in the crater left behind by the famous 1980 eruption. Melting snow, seeping through fissures in the ash and lava, supplied water for this steam column rising off the crest of the lava dome. Here, a small finger of newly airborne ash also is visible against the left (NE) edge of the dome, trailing a rockfall that is landing in front of the base of the secondary steam column. An uncommonly fair day provided ideal conditions for observing and photographing this American geologic marvel.
14 NNE Cougar WA (11 Jul 6) Looking SSE
46.2767, -122.229
Volcanic Steam Eruption
Mount Saint Helens had been spitting steam and minor quantities of ash for several months at the time of this photo, while growing a prominent lava dome in the crater left behind by the famous 1980 eruption. Melting snow, seeping through fissures in the ash and lava, supplied water for this steam column rising off the crest of the lava dome. Here, a small finger of newly airborne ash also is visible against the left (NE) edge of the dome, trailing a rockfall that is landing in front of the base of the secondary steam column. An uncommonly fair day provided ideal conditions for observing and photographing this American geologic marvel.
14 NNE Cougar WA (11 Jul 6) Looking SSE
46.2767, -122.229