It’s Been 42 Years Since Yakima Was Covered in Ash

Wednesday is the 42nd anniversary of the eruption Mount Saint Helens eruption of May 18, 1980. it was something the state had never experienced and many people were looking for information on Sunday morning at 8:32 a.m. when the mountain blew up and covered the state with ash. The internet wasn't available so the only place Yakima had to turn for information was KIT Radio.

The mountain is still being monitored and is still active

42 years later we are still here and the mountain is still active. When the mountain erupted on May 18, 1980, the blast killed 57 people and eventually sent volcanic ash around the world. While the mountain blew its top it is still monitored Today. In fact the United States Geological Service or USGS monitors volcanoes in Washington and Oregon's North Cascades region through its Cascades Volcano Observatory. The agency issues weekly reports on seismic activity near the volcanoes. Nothing abnormal has been reported this year or last year. Washington's five major volcanoes are Mount Rainier, Mount Adams, Mount Baker, Mount St. Helens and Glacier Peak.

Take a trip to the observatory and you'll see how life has come back

The scientists say while the mountain was the star of the show on may 18th, 1980 the star of the show now is how life has come back big time to the area and you are invited to see the area for yourself. You can find lots of information at the U. S. Forest service website. Later this summer you may be able to visit the Johnston Ridge Observatory located at the end of State Highway 504 in the heart of the blast zone.