"Today marks the six-month anniversary of Mt. St. Helens' current eruptive activity."

"To date, the eruption has been characterized by a remarkably sustained phase of nearly steady dome growth, seven substantial explosions that lofted ash thousands of feet above the vent, and brief periods of dome collapse. In the short term, we expect the eruption to continue in much the same manner.


"Results from analysis of imagery from 21 February show that the highest part of the new lava dome stands at an altitude of 7,682 feet, 527 feet higher than the old lava dome, and 92 feet below the level of Shoestring Notch on the southeast crater rim.

"This morning, clouds continue to obscure the volcano. When weather permits, we will sling new instruments into the crater to replace those destroyed earlier in the month."