Mt. St. Helens Volcano Timeline

By BensonFriedCHKN

  • First Encounter

    USFS workers encounter mini eruption.

  • Surveillance Deployed

    A helicopter is dispatched and a perimeter is set around the volcano.

  • Enthusiast Collect

    Volcano enthusiasts collect around the perimeter, and some breach security for a closer look.

  • Tensions Grow

    Magma begins to move out of the side of the volcano, forming balls along the mountain.

  • Observation Post Established | Earthquake

  • First New Tree Planted

  • Civilians Begin To Return Home And Radio Station Established

  • Volcano Erruption

    08:32 - Earthquake followed by an eruption
    Detonations zip across mountain
    Wind uproots trees up to 14 miles away
    USFS Evacuate

  • Volcano Eruption 2

    08:55 - Hot mudslides down the mountain
    Tuloo River takes lumber from nearby facilities

  • Volcano Eruption 3

    09:45 - Ash begins to head East

  • Volcano Eruption 4

    12:00 - Rescue operations begin

  • Volcano Eruption 5

    Geologist Arrive

  • Volcano Eruption 6

    President Carter arrives

  • Volcano Eruption 7

    Another minor eruption occurs

  • A New National Park