Mount St. Helens - 30 years ago today

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the 30th anniversary of the Mount St. Helens eruption, including personal experiences, recommendations for visiting the area, and reflections on the power of volcanoes. The scope encompasses historical accounts, personal anecdotes, and suggestions for viewing the volcano.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Historical

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants share links to PBS NOVA specials and historic videos about Mount St. Helens.
  • Recommendations are made for visiting the Johnston Ridge Observatory, described as a spectacular sight.
  • One participant recounts their experience of hearing the eruption from over 100 miles away, expressing awe at the power of volcanoes.
  • Another participant notes the limitations of viewing conditions at the observatory, humorously suggesting that clear weather is a rare occurrence.
  • Participants share personal experiences of visiting the area, including skiing and observing wildlife, such as moose grazing on reseeded areas.
  • There is a light-hearted exchange about whether dogs summited the mountain during a recent visit.
  • Some express a mix of admiration and fear regarding the power of volcanoes, particularly in relation to future eruptions like that of Yellowstone.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the impressive nature of Mount St. Helens and the value of visiting the observatory, but there are varying personal experiences and opinions regarding the power of volcanoes and the conditions for viewing.

Contextual Notes

Some statements reflect personal anecdotes and subjective experiences, which may not be universally applicable. The discussion includes humor and light-hearted exchanges that may not contribute to a serious analysis of volcanic activity.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in geological phenomena, personal travel experiences related to natural landmarks, and historical accounts of volcanic eruptions may find this discussion engaging.

Ivan Seeking
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PBS NOVA special: Mount St. Helens, back from the dead
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/sthelens/


Mount St. Helens - 1980

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgRnVhbfIKQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njV9ski1gB4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1gpnu-fdUU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2mgyCuLOlQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ee9CPox93OQ

See also for other historic videos
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=389164
 
Science news on Phys.org
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I was living in Corvallis, Or the day it went off. Even though I was over 100 miles away, I heard it! It was a low distant rumble, like thunder, only it lasted longer. I didn't know what it was until I heard about it on the news later. The power of these volcanoes is humbling - and remember, this was a small one. If (actually when) Yellowstone blows again, it will be a catastrophe that will make Hurricane Katrina or the Haiti earthquake look like child's play.
 
lisab said:
If any PFers are ever in the area, I recommend a trip to the Johnston Ridge Observatory. A bit of a drive from, well, anywhere...but it's really a spectacular sight.
I was in the area recently, but the observatory was closed for the Winter season. I did, however, get some up-close views of the mountain, being that I spent a good part of a day on it. :biggrin:

Pictures/video shot by my climbing buddy and me:

 
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Astronuc said:
Viewing is only possible during daylight hours in the Pacific Time zone, and when the weather is clear, i.e. not cloudy, foggy, snowy or rainy.
Pretty much the definition of the NULL set then ;-)
 
Gokul43201 said:
I was in the area recently, but the observatory was closed for the Winter season. I did, however, get some up-close views of the mountain, being that I spent a good part of a day on it. :biggrin:

Pictures/video shot by my climbing buddy and me:



Nice! The skiing down looks like the best part :smile:.

Did the dog summit?
 
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http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/9643/scan110011011.jpg

I shot this pic from the observatory about eight years ago. A large area below the mountain had been reseeded with grass to prevent erosion. From a pull off along the access road I could see moose grazing on the grass.
 
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Impressive... volcanoes really are amazing features. MSH is a bit impressive and a lot scary. :)
 
  • #10
lisab said:
Nice! The skiing down looks like the best part :smile:.
Yeah, the skiers and snowboarders were having a blast!

Did the dog summit?
Yes, there were 2 or 3 dogs that summitted that day.
 

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