State Agencies Continue Watch for Further Mount St. Helens Activity
Salem, Oregon – At 11:57 A.M. today Mount St. Helens experienced a small steam and ash eruption located in the dome of the crater area. The event was in the range of what was expected by U.S. Geological Survey scientists.
The eruption lasted 24 minutes and the ash plume reached a height of 9,700 feet, but quickly dissipated. Earthquakes associated with the current activity have diminished. There is no indication that any activity that might cause a larger eruption is occurring.
USGS Scientists continue monitoring the mountain very carefully to try and determine what it may do in the future. The alert level still remains at level 2 according to the USGS.
Governor Ted Kulongoski continues to have the State of Oregon’s Emergency Coordination Center (ECC) in a Stand-By status. Stand-By level means that the Oregon Emergency Response System’s Communications Center is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and that all state agencies stand ready to respond if necessary.
This appears to be a low level event. I would ask citizens to not call 9-1-1 or the
Oregon State Police dispatch center with questions about the eruption. Calls to emergency dispatch centers should be reserved for actual emergencies, traffic crashes, and to report crimes.
If citizens are in their cars and want to observe or film the events on the mountain, please pull safely off the road into designated parking areas, parking lots or other areas off the pavement that provides enough space to stop and park so as not to cause a hazard to other motorists.
It still is very important for the citizen’s of Oregon to always be prepared. Your individual and family preparations are important. A guide to employee and family preparedness plans can be found on Oregon Emergency Management’s website:
http://osp.state.or.us/oem
Please also visit the Governor’s website, www.governor.oregon.gov for more information and links to daily updates, preparedness information; and to learn more about Mt. St. Helens.
For more information:
Governor’s Office
Marian Hammond, 503-378-6169
Oregon Office of Homeland Security, Oregon Emergency Management
Ken Murphy, 503-378-2911, x 22225 or cell phone at 503-881-1750
Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries
James Roddey, 503-731-4100, x. 242 or cell phone at (503) 807-8343
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