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No, Mount St. Helens Is Not Erupting

Strong winds blew ash that was left behind from a 1980 eruption into the Washington air on Tuesday. By Patrick Griffin • just now

Ash left behind from the 1980 eruption is blown into the air around Mount St. Helens on September 16, 2025

( USGS )

No, Mount St. Helens is not erupting. What you are seeing in the Pacific Northwest today is actually remnants of an event nearly 50 years ago.

According to the National Weather Service , old volcanic ash is being lofted back into the air by strong winds. That wind picked up ash that was originally dumped on the area during eruptions in 1980.

Historical Context: Mount St. Helens Eruption

In March of 1980 , a series of explosions began at the volcano. The blasts escalated for nearly two

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