USGS Volcano Notice - DOI-USGS-CVO-2025-09-16T17:22:23+00:00

CASCADES VOLCANO OBSERVATORY INFORMATION STATEMENT
U.S. Geological Survey
Tuesday, September 16, 2025, 10:42 AM PDT (Tuesday, September 16, 2025, 17:42 UTC)

MOUNT ST. HELENS (VNUM #321050)
46°12' N 122°10'48" W, Summit Elevation 8363 ft (2549 m)
Current Volcano Alert Level: NORMAL
Current Aviation Color Code: GREEN

Summary: Stong winds are resuspending ash at Mount St. Helens. 

There is no change in Volcano Alert Level or Aviation Color Code at this time. Mount St. Helens remains at normal, background levels of activity.

Current Observations

Strong easterly–southeasterly winds in the vicinity of Mount St. Helens have picked up loose volcanic ash deposited during the 1980 eruptions and are carrying it to the west–northwest. The resuspended ash has been reported by commercial pilots in the area.  

This phenomenon is not the result of recent volcanic activity and occasionally occurs during times of high winds and dry snow-free conditions in the Mount St. Helens area. No eruption is in progress and Mount St. Helens remains at Aviation Color Code GREEN and Alert Level NORMAL. Resuspended volcanic ash should be considered hazardous and could be damaging to aircraft and health. 

For more information on volcanic ash and human health, visit the following website: http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/ash/ 

Forecasts of airborne ash hazard to aircraft: https://aviationweather.gov/   

Volcanic Ash Advisories: https://www.weather.gov/vaac/ 

Mount St. Helens Webcam: https://www.usgs.gov/media/webcams/johnston-ridge-observatory-mount-st-helens

Potential hazards

There have been no significant changes in hazards at Mount St. Helens as a result of this activity.

Current monitoring

The USGS monitors volcanoes with instrument networks and satellites; conducts research on volcano processes; and communicates important information to the public to mitigate risk and safeguard society.  The USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory jointly operates the monitoring network at Mount St. Helens with the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network (https://pnsn.org/)

The U.S. Geological Survey Cascades Volcano Observatory and the University of Washington Pacific Northwest Seismic Network continue to monitor Washington and Oregon volcanoes closely and will issue additional notifications as warranted.

Website Resources

For images, graphics, and general information on Cascade Range volcanoes: https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/cvo
For seismic information on Oregon and Washington volcanoes: http://www.pnsn.org/volcanoes
For information on USGS volcano alert levels and notifications: https://www.usgs.gov/programs/VHP/volcano-notifications-deliver-situational-information

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Jon Major, Scientist-in-Charge, Cascades Volcano Observatory, jjmajor@usgs.gov

General inquiries: askCVO@usgs.gov

Media inquiries: volcanomedia@usgs.gov