MT. ST. HELENS' ERUPTION 25TH ANNIVERSARY

25 years ago, Mount St. Helens in Washington State erupted violently, destroying forests, burying lakes and rivers, killing 57 people, raining ash on several states, and affecting global weather for several weeks. Although it was known that Mt. St. Helens was an active volcano, the enormity of the destruction of the 1980 eruption had not been predicted. The eruption radically changed the shape of the volcano. Usually appearing peaceful, it is still changing today as a lava dome continues to grow and earthquakes continue to shake the area. Needless to say, it is being closely monitored unofficially and officially.