I live close to this mountain, it is north of my house, if it was to go off, like it did back in May 18, 1980, I would have to leave here.
From The VolcanoCam News Blog - (January 2009)
Monday, 05 January 2009 @ 7:27 am PST
It appears there is a problem with the Mount St. Helens VolcanoCamHD. Since there is *no access* to the VolcanoCams this time of the year, we have no idea how long it will take to determine the problem and get it corrected.
Thursday, 08 January 2009 @ 7:30 am PST
VolcanoCamHD Status Update: Since last Friday, the VolcanoCamHD camera has been off-line, probably as a result of winter weather. The Pacific Northwest and Cascade Range have been hit by severe winter weather of late. As of this morning, all East-West mountain passes in Washington State are closed, a 20-mile stretch of Interstate I5 between Portland and Seattle is closed (due to flooding), and SR504 to the Johnston Ridge Observatory (where the VolcanoCams are located) is closed due to landslides. In addition, the last 30 miles of SR504 is unplowed. With no access to the VolcanoCams, and none expected for the foreseeable future, we have no way to determine the exact problem(s) with the VolcanoCamHD camera nor any anticipated repair date. It's winter here in the Cascades!
Friday, 09 January 2009 @ 7:33 am PST
VolcanoCamHD Status Update: With the permanent closure of the Coldwater Ridge Visitor Center last winter, there has been no need by Washington DOT to plow SR 504 open to Coldwater Lake (within nine miles of the JRO where we can use a snowcat). Our maintenance crew hasn't been able to access the JRO since Thanksgiving because of the heavy snow covering the last 25-30 miles, not to mention avalanche danger. However, the current storms will require a maintenance check of both visitor centers. Once that is done will we be able to assess the problem with the camera. Unfortunately, the current storms and flooding occurring all along the Cascade Range in Washington means we must wait until Mother Nature decides to grant access to us. Thanks for your patience.
From The VolcanoCam News Blog - (February 2009)
Monday, 02 February 2009 @ 7:35 am PST
Mount St. Helens saw its shadow this morning according to the VolcanoCam Classic camera. That means at least six more weeks of winter is expected in the Cascade Range.
VolcanoCamHD Update: A Mount St. Helens maintenance crew recently made it to the Johnston Ridge Observatory as part of a winter inspection of the closed visitor center. They found nothing outwardly wrong wih the VolcanoCamHD camera. Unfortunately, access to the JRO is still hampered by weather and other restrictions. We will keep you posted.
From The VolcanoCam News Blog - (March 2009)
Monday, 02 March 2009 @ 7:25 am PST
Mount St. Helens weather is in transition as late winter refuses to release its grip on the volcano. The VolcanoCam Classix continues to function with no problems. We are hoping for a break in the weather this month so we can visit the JRO. Only then can we assess the problem(s) associated with VolcanoCamHD.
Friday, 24 March 2009 @ 7:23 am PDT
Now that Spring has arrived (according to the calendar) we are receiving a number of emails asking why we haven't travelled to the Johnston Ridge Observatory (JRO) and find out why the VolcanoCamHD camera is not working. While the calendar may say Spring, it's far from that in the Cascade Range. This morning the National Weather Service issued
an avalance warning, a hazardous weather outlook and a winter storm warning. Old Man Winter refuses to release his icy grip anytime soon. We will still have to wait until weather conditions improve, safety conditions are met, and quite a bit of snow melt occurs before we can make a visit to the JRO.
From The VolcanoCam News Blog - (April 2009)
Wednesday, 01 April @ 7:28 am PDT
Last month about this time we posted here, "Mount St. Helens weather is in transition as late winter refuses to release its grip on the volcano. The VolcanoCam Classic continues to function with no problems. We are hoping for a break in the weather this month so we can visit the JRO. Only then can we assess the problem(s) associated with VolcanoCamHD."
Well, here we are a month later, a month closer to Spring and nothing has changed. A winter storm warning is in effect today. A massive winter storm is here and is forecast to be here through the rest of the week. Snows in the Cascade Range are measured in feet accumulation. There are several icicles hanging from the eaves in front of the VolcanoCam Classic camera this morning. One has to wonder if today really is the First of April or are we in the movie "Groundhog Day" and reliving the same snows, the same cold weather and the same icy conditions again and again?
From The VolcanoCam News Blog - (May 2009)
Monday, 04 May 2009 @ 3:01 pm PDT
Hey, we're back! Did you miss us? Our most profound apologies that you haven't seen a daily weather update on the VolcanoCams home page in more than two weeks. Actually, we've been here the entire time. So what happened, you are asking? Well, the US CERT team found an anomally within the agency web. Access was severely curtailed. Now that the restriction has been lifted, access is being restored. It's just taking some time. We received our access late this afternoon.
On another good news front, the Mount St. Helens maintenance staff finally got to the Johnston Ridge Observatory last week after a very long winter. They managed to perform tests on the VolcanoCamHD camera and all were successful. Look for the VolcanoCamHD camera views to be back online shortly.
Thursday, 14 May 2009 @ 7:24 am PDT
The Johnston Ridge Observatory (JRO) will reopen for the season on Sunday, May 17. The visitor center will be open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. through October. Admission to Johnston Ridge and Coldwater Lake is $8 per person, kids 15 and under are free.
The reopening of State Route 504 and Johnston Ridge will restore access to a monument that has been largely inaccessible due to roads blocked by snow. Visitors will be able to gaze into the crater and view North America’s youngest glacier and learn how the landscape was reshaped by the 1980 eruption. The visitor center offers live seismographs, geologic exhibits, 16-minute eruption movie, ranger-talks, and bookstore.
If you plan to visit the JRO this weekend, make sure you play close attention to the weather!! While temperatures in the valleys are expected to climb into the high 70s and low 80s, never assume the mountains will be warm. We've had a cool and wet Spring in the Cascade Range. That means be prepared for any kind of weather when visiting the JRO this early in the season.
Admission on the 29th Anniversary of the 1980 Eruption, on Monday, May 18, is free; this includes admission to Johnston Ridge and Coldwater Lake. As part of the monument's 29th anniversary commemoration Dr. Steve Schilling, with the USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory, will present a slide program featuring recent eruptive activity at Mount St. Helens and the amazing changes that occurred to the Crater Glacier during the 2004 to 2008 eruption. The slide show will precede the showing of the award winning movie 'Message from the Mountain' at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Monday, 18 May 2009 @ 7:37 am PDT
Twentynine years ago today, at 8:32 am Sunday morning, Mount St. Helens erupted. Shaken by an earthquake measuring 5.1 on the Richter scale, the north face of this tall symmetrical mountain collapsed in a massive rock debris avalanche. Nearly 230 square miles of forest was blown down or buried beneath volcanic deposits. At the same time a mushroom-shaped column of ash rose thousands of feet skyward and drifted downwind, turning day into night as dark, gray ash fell over eastern Washington and beyond. The eruption lasted 9 hours, but Mount St. Helens and the surrounding landscape were dramatically changed within moments. In 1982, the President and Congress created the 110,000-acre National Volcanic Monument for research, recreation, and education. Inside the Monument, the environment is left to respond naturally to the disturbance.
Friday, 22 May 2009 @ 8:20 am PDT
This past Wednesday, in the early evening, we lost signals from both VolcanoCams. Both were back online sometime Thursday afternoon. The cause of the problem was found to be a commercial network service that supplies access between the Interstate 5 corridor at Castle Rock, Washington, and the Forest Service network near Johnston Ridge. The cameras continued to function with no problems, however, network access was not working. All seem to be well this morning.
From The VolcanoCam News Blog - (June 2009)
Monday, 01 June 2009 @ 7:20 am PDT
This morning finds the weather unusually clear and wonderful at Mount St. Helens. We open June with very good weather for the past week. It appears it will continue for at least another week. Johnston Ridge Observatory is open for visitors. But if circumstances do not permit a visit, sit back and enjoy the views from the Mount St. Helens VolcanoCams.
From The VolcanoCam News Blog - (July 2009)
Wednesday, 01 July 2009 @ 7:20 am PDT
The first real heat of the summer is now hitting the Pacific Northwest and the Cascade Range. It's a great time to visit Mount St. Helens and escape the heat. At the same time, the Fourth of July holiday should bring an increased vigilance to protecting the land. This time of the year wildland fire is an ever-present concern. Remember, using fireworks on National Forest lands is not just illegal but threatens the land and all that dwell within. When you visit, bring plenty of sunscreen, something to eat, water and a wrap just in case the weather takes a turn at altitude. Just don't bring anything that could endanger you or the land. Leave the fireworks at home please.
If you are unable to visit in person, enjoy your virtual visit with the Mount St. Helens VolcanoCams. Both are working just fine.
From The VolcanoCam News Blog - (August 2009)
Monday, 03 August 2009 @ 7:44 am PDT
The last week and a half of July saw some of the hottest sustained temperatures in Southwest Washington. Through it all the VolcanoCams continued to perform with no problems.
From The VolcanoCam News Blog - (September 2009)
Tuesday, 01 September 2009 @ 7:36 am PDT
The smell of autumn is in the air. Expect cooler mornings and rapidly changing light conditions as we move into the first days of Autumn later this month. TheVolcanoCams continue to function with no problems.
From The VolcanoCam News Blog - (October 2009)
Thursday, 01 October 2009 @ 7:41 am PDT
There is a definite change brewing. Weather reports for Mount St. Helens regularly include snow in the forecast. Now is a great time to visit the volcano as the seasonal changes are marked by weather, autumn colours, migrating wildlife and shorter days. As always, make sure you bring extra food, clothing and the Ten Essentials, even if you plan to visit by car.
There is a time drift occurring with the VolcanoHD camera. Despite our best efforts to correct it, we are still at a loss. The camera functions with no problems, however, the drifting time/date stamp on the images remains a problem.
From The VolcanoCam News Blog - (November 2009)
Tuesday, 02 November 2009 @ 8:45 am PST
Both VolcanoCams continue to function this morning with minimal problems. There continues top be a time drift with the VolcanoCamHD camera we have been unable to fix.
Thursday, 05 November 2009 @ 11:48 am PST
Some time around Noon yesterday we lost the network connection with both VolcanoCams. Mount St. Helens maintenance folks visiting the Johnston Ridge Observatory (already closed for the winter) this morning found both cameras were functioning with no problems. So efforts are being focused on the network. We will have more information as it becomes available.
The maintence crew did report Mount St. Helens is fogged in today so any views will be limited to gray clouds.
Friday, 06 November 2009 @ 8:05 am PST
Public thanks must go to the fabulous Mount St. Helens maintenance crew who took time from their winterizing work to travel to the Johnston Ridge Observatory (JRO) and check out the VolcanoCams. They found both cameras were functioning quite well. However, they found a network connection problem, fixed it and the cameras were back online within a couple of hours.
Thursday, 12 November 2009 @ 7:22 am PST
The VolcanoCamHD camera continues to suffer network problems. We hope to have back online soon. Apologies for the inconvenience.
Thursday, 19 November 2009 @ 7:38 am PST
Both Volcanocam cameras continue to suffer network problems. The cameras are functioning and generating images. However, unknown network problems are preventing the images from being transmitted to the web server. Our continuing apologies for the inconvenience.
From The VolcanoCam News Blog - (December 2009)
Tuesday, 01 December 2009 @ 7:43 am PST
A set of remote tests have confirmed the two VolcanoCams are working just fine with no problems.
At the same time, additional tests indicate the problem is centered around network connections, combined with potential web server issues. In other words, the problems are not local to us but part of the larger Forest Service nework and possibly the Forest Service web server. Our apologies for the inconvenience as we work to resolve the problems.
Thursday, 03 December 2009 @ 8:17 am PST
We begin another month with both VolcanoCams functioning with no apparent problems.
The sunrise over Mount St. Helens was clear and cold this morning. Unfortunately, we continue to experience unknown network problems, preventing the images from reaching the web server. Our apologies for the inconvenience as we work to resolve the problems.
From The VolcanoCam News Blog - (January 2010)
Wednesday, 06 January 2010 @ 7:33 am PST
Our sincere apologies for the continuing problems with network access for the VolcanoCams.
While both cameras continue to function, generate images, and transmit them to the web server, those images are either getting lost in transmission and/or not being accepted by the web server. In addition, an added problem possiblely created by required security updates installed during the recent holidays has surfaced. That we are able to post this blog note today should be taken as a sign we may have fixed this latest problem. We have been unable to connect to this site since since late December, until today.
Thank you for your emails pointing out the ongoing problem. All email are read, although we can't always respond to them.
Thursday, 14 January 2010 @ 10:47 am PST
Afternoon update. We find no problems with either VolcanoCam nor the immediate network connections.
The JRO is closed from November through May. Access is very limited during the winter months because of heavy snows, avalanche danger, etc. Last winter MSH maintenance staff managed to get up here once, maybe twice, all winter. However, right now, temperatures are in the mid-30s and road access is available. We are between winter storms. Perhaps this is a January thaw. In any case, we're performing on-site inspections of both VolcanoCams, and related gear. We'll post an update here later this afternoon.
Thursday, 14 January 2010 @ 12:31 pm PST
We have a weather window! This blog post is coming directly from the Johnston Ridge Observatory (JRO).
A series of tests from here at the JRO indicates network issues further down the line, outside of our scope. Images are still unable to reach the public web server. Clouds are moving in over the volcano as a type this. We've had partly cloudy to full Sun the whole time here. It's time to go before temperatures begin to drop and ice up the road.
Friday, 22 January 2010 @ 8:08 am PST
Could it be? Is it possible? Are my eyes seeing what's real?
Just hold those thoughts for a minute as we perform some additional tweaks with the VolcanoCams. The saga is not quite complete. We still have to address network problems with the ClassicCam. VolcanoCamHD connections appear to be stable. We'll have more later to share once the ClassicCam is back online.
From The VolcanoCam News Blog - (Febrary 2010)
Tuesday, 02 February 2010@ 7:44 am PST
In 1911, naturalist John Muir wrote, "When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the Universe."
While many of us who enjoy the wild places, including Mount St. Helens, would certainly agree with that comment, it has never been so true with bringing you images of the volcano, or not, the past few months. As you can see we have both VolcanoCams functioning and bringing you images once again. There never was any problem with the cameras. They continued to offer up gray skies, sunny days and starless nights. We just lost the the ability to transmit those images from cameras to web server. However, with the help of a number of Forest Service employees literally from across the country, the views are back.
So what was the problem? Our initial theory was a network fault (then unknown) was the culprit. We proceeded with that starting from known points that worked until we hit a dead spot. That meant backtracking from the web server that received the images. It also meant starting with the cameras and working our way down from the mountain. Somewhere in the middle had to be the center of our frustration. Ultimately that proved to be the case, but not what we originally thought.
The problem turned out to be a network fault. What created the problem was unexpected. The short answer (without giving away the finer details to protect the cameras) is a change in network configuration brought about a decommisioning of a couple of old servers totally unrelated to the VolcanoCams. But as John Muir wrote 99 years ago, we unhitched a part of the Universe we never knew was connected in the first place.
In the next couple of weeks you mights see a camera or two go offline (briefly, we hope!) as we hitch things up a little tighter and make things more stable. We're also in the works to retire the ClassicCam and replace it with another HD camera. We don't anticipate installing the replacement camera until Spring.
Our thanks to all of you who wrote to us, commenting, questioning, even complaining while we endured a Winter of Disconnect. On this Groundhog Day Mount St. Helens saw its shadow this morning. While that may portend six more weeks of winter, perhaps it really means thisis the start of morning shadows once again.
From The VolcanoCam News Blog - (March 2010)
Monday, 01 March 2010 @ 7:41 am PST
The First of March finds both VolcanoCams operating, with all network connections intact. This morning's views show some high clouds. A weather change later in the week may produce clouds and obscured views.
From The VolcanoCam News Blog - (April 2010)
Friday, 02 April 2010 @ 7:33 am PDT
We're gearing up for the 30th anniversary of the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens around here. Check out
the commemorative web site . We hope you can join us with some of the planned activities.
The cameras are working just fine this morning. Don't expect any views of the volcano today, problably not even though the weekend. A major winter storm arrived this morning dumping lots of rain at low elavations with snow higher up.
Also, we're been getting a few queries about the time stamp on the images. Yup, we know about that, too. Here's the scoop. The date changes for Daylight Savings are hard-coded into the two web servers supporting the cameras. The patch files from the software manufacturers don't exist. We can't even manually change the time ourselves. So bear with us until the calendar finally arrives at the traditional change date.
Tuesday, 27 April 2010 @ 7:20 am PDT
Yesterday afternoon we lost contact with the VolcanoCam Classic camera. Mount St. Helens maintenance ran a few checks and found the problem is localized to the camera itself. We will manually inspect the camera just as soon as the weather makes it safe to do so.
Wednesday, 28 April 2010 @ 7:25 am PDT
Kudos to the maintenance folks at Mount St. Helens for their efforts in bringing back the VolcanoCam Classic camera "from the dead." Earlier it was determined a power malfunction to the camera was a fault. By around Noon yesterday the camera was back online, even though the weather made repairs difficult. Enjoy your cloudy views today from both cameras!
From The VolcanoCam News Blog - (May 2010)
Monday, 03 May 2010 @ 7:44 am PDT
The beginning of May finds both VolcanoCams working with no problems. However, the weather isn't as cooperative. The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for today. Another late winter storm arrives from the Northern Pacific, along with clouds and a chance for snow.
Tuesday, 11 May 2010 @ 7:30 am PDT
The VolcanoCamHD camera has gone funkadelic/psychedelic on us and we don't know why. We've done some online testing and don't have an answer just yet.
Friday, 14 May 2010 @ 7:29 am PDT
Yesterday we paid a visit to the Johnston Ridge Observatory (JRO) and performed some routine cleaning maintenance to both VolcanoCams. The MSH Maintenance crew had invited us up to check the cameras because they had a 'cherry picker' and were using it to clean the huge windows of the the JRO in preparation of the annual reopening of the visitor center this weekend. The cherry picker was made available to us to check the cameras while they cleaned windows.
Both cameras were inspected and the cases and viewports cleaned of fine volcanic ash. We found nothing wrong with either camera. However, the funkadelic/psychedelic images from VolcanoCamHD continue. We now suspect a power surge at the JRO sometime in the last ten days has damaged the camera, probably beyond repair. We had planned to replaced the older VolcanoCam Classic camera later this Spring. It looks like we will speed up the process. Until then we will leave VolcanoCamHD operating since the problem seems to go away on it own late in the day and still offer some quality views.
Finally, we have a return visitor to the VolcanoCam Classic view. Reports are he returned sometime after 3:00 pm PDT long after we had left. We suspect the visitor wanted to lend a had with cleaning. We was still in view this morning.
From The VolcanoCam News Blog - (June 2010)
Tuesday, 01 June 2010 @ 7:48 am PDT
This is the month summer begins. We also expect snow showers for the first week of the month. Considering views of Mount St. Helens were less than spectacular last month, we have fingers crossed that winter is finally over.
Friday, 25 June 2010 @ 3:10 pm PDT
Did you miss us? Never knew we were gone? The Forest Service web server was taken offline Tuesday night because of technical and security issues. It just came back online. The impact upon the VolcanoCams was split 50/50. The ClassicCam continued to have images posted to the web site because the images actually reside within a "cloud." That cloud was not taken offline. On the other hand, the VolcanoCamHD images are only made available from the web server, and those images could not be updated. That's why the VolcanoCamHD images appeared "stuck' even at night.
Our public thanks to the systems administrators is Washington, DC, for all their work, especially so while the Washington, DC sweats under record heat right now.
From The VolcanoCam News Blog - (July 2010)
Thursday, 01 July 2010 @ 7:22 am PDT
The calendar say the year is half over but judging from the weather, summer has yet to arrive. This month is repair month as we plan to trek up to Johnston Ridge and tackle the problems with VolcanoCamHD.
From The VolcanoCam News Blog - (August 2010)
Monday, 01 August 2010 @ 7:39 am PDT
The VolcanoCamHD camera seems to have stabilized itself in the past month. So were back to pretty pictures under clear skies.
From The VolcanoCam News Blog - (September 2010)
Wednesday, 01 September 2010 @ 8:29 am PDT
A new month and old weather. Let's hope the current rain and clouds are just a minor inconvenience with VolcanoCam viewing and are not foretelling the coming winter.
From The VolcanoCam News Blog - (October 2010)
Monday, 04 October 2010 @ 7:22 am PDT
Today's weather forecast calls for snow at Mount St. Helens. Current views of the volcano are obscured by clouds. The calendar says it's October. Winter in the Cascade Range is around the corner.
Monday, 25 October 2010 @ 7:43 am PDT
Winter hit the Cascade Range in a big way this past weekend. The Pacific Northwest is enduring a freight train of at least three significant storms coming in from the Pacific. Lots and lots of rain in the lower elevation with snow at higher elevations. Don't expect any views this week.
From The VolcanoCam News Blog - (November 2010)
Tuesday, 02 November 2010 @ 7:21 am PDT
Early winter storms should now be considered the norm about now. And that means volcano views will be hit and miss. The Johnston Ridge Observatory closed for the season last weekend so the only views for folks now will be the VolcanoCams.
From The VolcanoCam News Blog - (December 2010)
Tuesday, 07 December 2010 @ 7:01 am PDT
Views of Mount St. Helens will be hit and miss as winter storms hit the Caecade Range.
From The VolcanoCam News Blog - (January 2011)
Tuesday, 04 January 2011 @ 7:41 am PDT
The new year finds both VolcanoCams operating normally, and surprisingly for this time of the year, with views of Mount St. Helens.
From The VolcanoCam News Blog - (February 2011)
Tuesday, 01 February 2011 @ 9:15 am PDT
This past weekend the Johnston Ridge Observatory (JRO) experienced a power failure. The failure knocked off both VolcanoCams.
As of this morning, full power to the JRO has not been restored. The VolcanocamHD camera is back online and showing us a beautiful view of Mount St. Helens. However, the ClassicCam remains offline.
Monday, 14 February 2011 @ 12:13 pm PST
Both cameras are back online. Power was restored to the ClassicCam this morning about the same time a 4.3 earthquake struck near the Johnston Ridge Observatory ( http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/Quakes/uw02141835.php ) . MSH maintenance staff felt the strong jolt and reported no injuries.
Thursday, 17 February 2011 @ 2:35 pm PST
Power has been restored to both VolcanoCams. A recent power failure at the Johnston Ridge Observatory (JRO) took both cameras offline. When power was restored, some circuit breakers tripped and the ClassicCam remained offline. Winter weather conditions prevented MSH Maintenance staff from reaching the JRO to manually rest the breakers until today.
This Link is the reason why it took so long to gain access to the JRO and retore power.
You are looking approximately south toward Mount St. Helens from near the the JRO observation platform (in front of you in the picture). The approximate snow depth ranges from two to three feet, with up to six foot drifts in front of you in the observation area. The entrance to the JRO (closed for the winter) is ahead and to your right. For a full size image, click on this image link (Warning! This is a HUGE 5 MB image!)
From The VolcanoCam News Blog - (March 2011)
Tuesday, 01 March 2011 @ 7:40 am PST
March is alrerady roaring in like a lion. Several winter storms in quick succession are not allowing any view of the volcano. Both cameras are working just fine. You should be able to see icicles in front of the camera views this morning.
Monday, 28 March 2011 @ 7:15am PDT
For the first time this winter season the snow drifts at the Johnston Ridge Observatory (JRO) are high enough to be visible within the camera frame of the VolcanoCams. When you consider the cameras are 20 feet off of the ground, we are talking some pretty tall drifts!
From The VolcanoCam News Blog - (April 2011)
Friday, 01 April 2011 @ 7:00am PST
The Mount St. Helens web site has undergone a significant upgrade to a new design, based upon a USDA mandated web portal system. In time, the VolcanoCam web site will be incorporated into this new design.
Wednesday, 13 April 2011 @ 11:59am PDT
The VolcanoCam Gnome has returned! He's back for a third consecutive winter. We don't know how long he will be here so enjoy his visit in front of the Classic VolcanoCam while it lasts.
From The VolcanoCam News Blog - (May 2011)
Monday, 02 May 2011 @ 12:32pm PDT
Spring has yet to return to Mount St. Helens. The beginning of May finds snow, snowdrifts and a continuing avalanche danger. The VolcanoCam HD camera is working just fine, showing us clouds and the occasional icicle. The VolcanoCam Classic camera appears to have a problem transmitting images. We can remotely access the server but the camera isn't responding. We are working to correct the problem as best as we can. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Wednesday, 18 May 2011 @ 7:22am PDT
Today marks the 31st anniversary of the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens. The Johnston Ridge Observatory is open today (free admissions). There will be a special anniversary film at 10:00am.
If you are unable to make it, enjoy the VolcanoCam views today.
From The VolcanoCam News Blog - (June 2011)
Tuesday, 01 June 2011 @ 7:36am PDT
The calendar says June but the VolcanoCam views show something else closer to December. It's still winter in the high country. Both cameras are working just fine.
From The VolcanoCam News Blog - (July 2011)
Monday, 11 July 2011 @ 8:58am PDT
Both cameras are working just fine.
From The VolcanoCam News Blog - (August 2011)
Monday, 01 August 2011 @ 7:40am PDT
Both cameras are working just fine.
From The VolcanoCam News Blog - (September 2011)
Thursday, 01 September 2011 @ 7:22am PDT
Both cameras are working just fine.
Wednesday, 07 September 2011 @ 7:50am PDT
Hot, dry conditions and high winds are contributing to the National Weather Service issuing a Red Flag Warning. The immediate effects for VolcanoCam viewers are dusty and obscured views.
From The VolcanoCam News Blog - (October 2011)
Monday, 03 October 2011 @ 7:44am PDT
Both cameras are working just fine, although the rain and clouds are obscuring any views this morning.
Wednesday, 12 October 2011 @ 7:35am PDT
Within the past few day you may have noticed a significant change in the weather forecasts. Increasingly now the NOAA weather forecasts are calling for snow or snow showers. Accummulation levels may vary. If you plan to climb Mount St. Helens from now on, please prepare for winter climbing conditions.
From The VolcanoCam News Blog - (November 2011)
Tuesday, 01 November 2011 @ 7:22am PDT
It's cold, foggy and damp in the valley while Mount St. Helens enjoys clear and cold skies according to the VolcanoCams. Both cameras are doing just fine.
From The VolcanoCam News Blog - (December 2011)
Thursday, 01 December 2011 @ 7:03am PDT
The Mount St. Helens VolcanoCams are operating just fine this morning. A brief power failure at the Johnston Ridge Observatory (JRO) last week temporaily stopped images. Everything is back to normal.
From The VolcanoCam News Blog - (January 2012)
Tuesday, 03 January 2012 @ 7:24am PDT
The Mount St. Helens VolcanoCams are operating just fine this morning.
Wednesday, 18 January 2012 @ 7:31am PST
We lost network connections with the cameras this past weekend. Not sure of the cause. We need to verify electric power but winter weather may not allow us to check safely.
From The VolcanoCam News Blog - (February 2012)
Wednesday, 01 February 2012 @ 7:52am PST
We continue to experience connection issues with the Classic VolcanoCam. Our apologies. However, the VolcanoCamHD camera is working just fine. If offers a splendid view this morning of ... clouds.
Thursday, 02 February 2012 @ 7:00am PST
Mount St. Helens maintenance is scheduled to arrive at the Johnston Ridge Observatory (JRO) today via snowcat. They are planning on routine winter maintenance. They are also going to look at the Classic VolcanoCam and attempt to fix its current offline status.
Friday, 03 February 2012 @ 7:39am PST
The VolcanoCamHD camera is working just fine. Any blurring of the image is caused by sustained high winds shaking the camera.
The Classic VolcanoCam remains offline. The camera's server at Johnston Ridge Observatory (JRO) is working but receiving no signal from the camera. This is probably due to a fuse inside the camera has blown. We will be unable to actually check the camera, and replace the fuse if that is the problem, until we have more favorable weather. Access to the JRO is extremely limited this time of the year. We apologize for the inconvenience
From The VolcanoCam News Blog - (March 2012)
Thursday, 01 March 2012 @ 10:35 am PST
We continue to experience connection issues with the Classic VolcanoCam. The VolcanoCamHD camera is working just fine, however, the camera's time clock apparently does not recognize Leap Years. We are working to fix that. Again, our apologies.
Friday, 02 March 2012 @ 11:00 am PST
Both cameras are working just fine. Thanks to the Mount St. Helens maintenance shop for inspecting the cameras earlier today. The Classic VolcanoCam required a new fuse.
From The VolcanoCam News Blog - (April 2012)
Monday, 02 April 2012 @ 7:42 am PDT
Both cameras are working just fine. Current weather has the volcano obscured by clouds.
From The VolcanoCam News Blog - (May 2012)
Tuesday, 01 May 2012 @ 7:30 am PDT
Both cameras are working just fine. Just like the beginning of last month, current weather has the volcano obscured by clouds.
Friday, 18 May 2012 @ 7:00 am PDT
At 8:32 am on Sunday, May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helens erupted.
Mount St. HelensShaken by an earthquake measuring 5.1 on the Richter scale, the north face of this tall symmetrical mountain collapsed in a massive rock debris avalanche. In a few moments this slab of rock and ice slammed into Spirit Lake, crossed a ridge 1,300 feet high, and roared 14 miles down the Toutle River.
The avalanche rapidly released pressurized gases within the volcano. A tremendous lateral explosion ripped through the avalanche and developed into a turbulent, stone-filled wind that swept over ridges and toppled trees. Nearly 150 square miles of forest was blown over or left dead and standing.
At the same time a mushroom-shaped column of ash rose thousands of feet skyward and drifted downwind, turning day into night as dark, gray ash fell over eastern Washington and beyond. Wet, cement-like slurries of rock and mud scoured all sides of the volcano. Searing flows of pumice poured from the crater. The eruption lasted 9 hours, but Mount St. Helens and the surrounding landscape were dramatically changed within moments.
A vast, gray landscape lay where once the forested slopes of Mount St. Helens grew. In 1982 the President and Congress created the 110,000-acre National Volcanic Monument for research, recreation, and education. Inside the Monument, the environment is left to respond naturally to the disturbance.
This morning Mount St. Helens is quiet. Enjoy your VolcanoCam views.
From The VolcanoCam News Blog - (June 2012)
Friday, 01 June 2012 @ 7:00 am PDT
Both cameras are working just fine.
From The VolcanoCam News Blog - (July 2012)
Monday, 02 July 2012 @ 7:20 am PDT
Both cameras are working just fine.
From The VolcanoCam News Blog - (August 2012)
Wednesday, 01 August 2012 @ 7:37 am PDT
Both cameras are working just fine. We are experiencing "technical difficulties" with the National Weather Service feed on the web site. The NWS upgraded its weather forecast data code last month. However, that upgrade broke the code to display current conditions. We are working to resolve that. Our apologies to you.
From The VolcanoCam News Blog - (September 2012)
Tuessday, 11 September 2012 @ 7:21 am PDT
Both cameras are working just fine.
From The VolcanoCam News Blog - (October 2012)
Tuesday, 02 October 2012 @ 8:00 am PDT
Both cameras are working just fine. However, the recent wildland fires in the Pacific Northwest contributed to haze and decreased clarity of the volcano for the past several weeks. With autumn in full swing we will begin to experience more cloud cover as winter approaches.
From The VolcanoCam News Blog - (November 2012)
Thursday, 01 November 2012 @ 7:31 am PDT
Both cameras are working just fine. With autumn in full swing we will begin to experience more cloud cover as winter approaches.
Tuesday, 20 November 2012 @ 7:33 am PDT
We've lost our network connection with both VolcanoCams. Mount St. Helens maintenance staff have been notified and are looking into this for us. Please be aware that support may be limited because of bad weather and holiday travel requirements. Our apologies for the inconvenience.
From The VolcanoCam News Blog - (December 2012)
Monday, 03 December 2012 @ 7:02 am PST
We've lost our network connection with both VolcanoCams. Please be aware that support may be limited because of bad weather and travel safety requirements. Our apologies for the inconvenience.
Monday, 17 December 2012 @ 7:01 am PST
Both cameras are working just fine. Current winter weather conditions will prevent any quality views of Mount St. Helens
From The VolcanoCam News Blog - (January 2013)
Tuesday, 08 January 2013 @ 7:11 am PST
The Mount St. Helens VolcanoCams started off the new year offline. A web server change disrupted access for web users even though the cameras themselves were unaffected and continued to function. You did not miss anything in the interim because the weather obscured the volcano most of the time the image were unavailable.
Everything is now back to normal. All systems working.
From The VolcanoCam News Blog - (February 2013)
Friday, 01 February 2013 @ 7:33 am PST
Clear skies and beautiful views of Mount St. Helens greet us this morning. Both VolcanoCams are working with no problems.
The question to ponder; will Mount St. Helens see its shadow tomorrow morning on Groundhog Day?
According to folklore, if it is cloudy when a groundhog emerges from its burrow on February 2, then spring will come early; if it is sunny, the groundhog will supposedly see its shadow and retreat back into its burrow, and the winter weather will continue for six more weeks.
From The VolcanoCam News Blog - (March 2013)
Friday, 01 March 2013 @ 7:38 am PST
The first day of March finds Mount St. Helens shrouded in clouds. Both VolcanoCams are working with no problems.
From The VolcanoCam News Blog - (April 2013)
Monday, 15 April 2013 @ 9:12 am PDT
We continue to experience problems with the ClassicCam. VolcanoCamHD is working just fine.
From The VolcanoCam News Blog - (May 2013)
Wednesday, 01 May 2013 @ 8:00 am PDT
Both VolcanoCams are operating with no problems.
From The VolcanoCam News Blog - (June 2013)
Monday, 03 June 2013 @ 7:00 am PDT
Both VolcanoCams are operating with no problems.
From The VolcanoCam News Blog - (July 2013)
Monday, 22 July 2013 @ 7:00 am PDT
Both VolcanoCams are operating with no problems.
From The VolcanoCam News Blog - (August 2013)
Thursday, 08 August 2013 @ 7:00 am PDT
Both VolcanoCams are operating with no problems. However, you may detect a haze caused by wildfires here in the Pacific Northwest.
From The VolcanoCam News Blog - (September 2013)
Tuesday, 03 September 2013 @ 7:00 am PDT
Both VolcanoCams are operating with no problems
From The VolcanoCam News Blog - (October 2013)
Tuesday, 01 October 2013 @ 7:00 am PDT
Both VolcanoCams are operating with no problems.
Due to the lapse in federal government funding, the U.S. Forest Service, as with other federal agencies, is closed with the exception of certain essential services. However, we will attempt to make timely updates about public health and safety on these web pages as appropriate. We sincerely regret this inconvenience. For general information on Forest Service shutdown procedures, please visit USDA’s website.
From The VolcanoCam News Blog - (November 2013)
Friday, 01 November 2013 @ 10:00 am PDT
Both VolcanoCams are operating with no problems.
The change in Daylight Saving Time this Sunday means pushing back all clocks one hour.
From The VolcanoCam News Blog - (Current / December 2013)
Monday, 02 December 2013 @ 8:22 am PDT
Both VolcanoCams are operating with no problems. There are no views of Mount St. Helens today. An expected winter storm is moving in, dumping large quantities of clouds and fog.
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