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Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument |
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Climbing Mount St. HelensMount St. Helens Climbing Update[Last Updated: 27 July 2008]Spring / Summer Climbing Access: Unstable cornices (snow overhangs) remain on the crater rim (please see climbing page and scroll down to cornice photo). Forest Road 81-830 to Climber's Bivouac is now open. Forest Road 83 (access to Lava Canyon) remains closed at Marble Mtn Snopark. 2008 Climbing Permit Sales Begin February 1, 2008: Permits for the April 1 through October 31 climbing fee season are sold online, in-advance on a first-come, first-served basis through the Mount St. Helens Institute. Climber's Register has been moved to the Lone Fir Resort, 16806 Lewis River Road, Cougar, WA. (360) 238-5210. Permits are required above 4800 foot elevation on the volcano year round. During the Nov 1 to March 31 winter climbing season permits are available at no charge by self-registration at the Climber's Register. [Updated: July 27, 2008 ] The lava-dome building eruption of Mount St. Helens that began in autumn 2004 and continued for three years appears to have ended. Therefore, the USGS has lowered the Volcano-Alert Level from Advisory to NORMAL and the Aviation Color Code from Yellow to GREEN, to indicate that monitoring parameters have returned to background conditions. Since late January, five months have passed with no sign of renewed eruptive activity. Earthquakes, volcanic gas emissions, and ground deformation have remained at pre-eruptive background levels.
For the latest information on volcanic activity, please see: USGS - Mount St. Helens Weekly Update So You Want To Climb Mount St. Helens?
Mount St. Helens is an active volcano in southwest Washington State and the central feature of the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. Mount St. Helens is a popular climb for both beginning and experienced mountaineers. Although people are able to climb Mount St. Helens year-round, late spring through early fall is the most popular season. Most climbers use the Monitor Ridge Route from Climbers Bivouac. This route gains 4,500 feet in five miles to the crater rim at 8,365 feet elevation. Although strenuous, this non-technical climb is suitable for people in good physical condition who are comfortable scrambling on steep, rugged terrain. Most climbers complete the round trip in seven to twelve hours. While climbing to the crater rim is permitted, entry into the crater is strictly prohibited. Some Cornices (overhanging snow) Remain on the Crater Rim of Mount St. Helens Cornices are unstable and prone to sudden failure. Extreme caution is advised! Do not approach the crater rim unless you can find a wind-scoured area where the surface of the rim is visible. The crater rim is formed by constant rockfall and collapse into the crater and is very unstable. Stay back from the crater edge, it is potentially hazardous at any time of year (especially during the period of elevated avalanche danger and rockfall during the spring thaw). Join us for a Weekend Work Party Become a Mount St. Helens Volunteer and help share the wonder and protect this special place. Explore the amazing viewpoints and trails around Mount St. Helens. Download a full-color Visitor Guide. East & South side roads are closed by landslides & floods Forest Road 99 (access to Windy Ridge) is closed at Bear Meadows. Road 83 (access to Lava Canyon) is closed at Marble Mtn Snopark [July 27, 2008]
Climbing at a GlanceClimbing Permits
Volcanic Hazards
Climber Safety
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