Another eruption of steam and ash at Mount St. Helens kept the rumbling volcano on the minds of many around the nation .
Seismologists are predicting a larger eruption – one with magma instead of steam – could happen in the next couple of days.
If it comes, it’s expected to be much smaller than the 1980 eruption that killed 57 people.
In the meantime, eruptions of steam and ash are expected to continue until there’s a larger eruption.
Here are answers provided by the Mount St. Helens Joint Information Center to some questions on how the volcanic activity at Mount St. Helens could affect the north Puget Sound region:
Is Snohomish County in any danger if there is a large eruption?
No, even a large eruption is only expected to affect the area immediately surrounding the volcano.
Will a major eruption be felt in Snohomish County? Could a large earthquake come with an eruption?
No. Volcanic earthquakes are different from the earthquakes that can destroy bridges and buildings.
Volcano-related earthquakes are much smaller and localized. Most often they are not even large enough to feel and register only on a seismograph. They are more useful as a tool to show that a volcano could become active in the near future.
In 1980, vast amounts of ash fell on Eastern Washington, Idaho and Montana. Could ash fall on Snohomish County?
If the wind blows north after an eruption, it’s possible that volcanic ash could fall in Snohomish County.
However, it’s considered unlikely, because the wind doesn’t normally blow that way, and because there isn’t expected to be nearly as much ash as fell in 1980.
What should residents do to prepare for falling ash? Do they need to go out and buy anything?
People who live around the volcano should consider buying a mask to filter out the ash. It’s not necessary for Snohomish County residents to buy one because they are too far away from the volcano.
People reported hearing a sonic boom as far north as Everett when Mount St. Helens erupted in 1980. Will that happen again?
If there is an eruption with fresh magma, then yes, there could be a sonic boom. If so, it may be heard as far north as Snohomish County.
Is it possible that activity at Mount St. Helens could “wake up” Washington state’s other volcanoes, including Snohomish County’s Glacier Peak?
No. The magma pool pushing up under Mount St. Helens is not connected to magma pools under the state’s other volcanoes.
Is it safe for people to go get a look at Mount St. Helens for themselves? Where should they go?
Highway 504 going toward the mountain is still open. However, the area is so crowded with scientists, media and tourists that officials are asking people who don’t need to be in the area to stay away.
The Johnston Ridge Observatory is closed but the Coldwater Ridge Visitor Center is open.
What will it take for the volcano to interrupt airplane flights? Is it something travelers should be worrying about?
All flights are banned within five miles of the volcano.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Portland International Airport are prepared to interrupt flight plans if ash should blow their way.
Some airplanes were rerouted Friday.
Source: St. Helens Joint Information Center.
Reporter Lukas Velush: 425-339-3449 or lvelush@heraldnet.com.
View the volcano
The latest information and photos from Mount St. Helens can be viewed online at www.fs.fed.us/gpnf.
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