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Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument |
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Climbing Mount St. HelensMount St. Helens Climbing Update[Last Updated: 14 January 2009]Fall / Winter Climbing Access: Snowfall and wind will form unstable cornices (snow overhangs) on the crater rim (please see our climbing page and scroll down to cornice photo). The crater rim is unstable and can be hazardous at any time. Attention Climbers: Winter access to south side climbing routes may be limited by road damage, snow or malfunctioning plow equipment. Check the current snopark conditions page for updated information on access to Cougar Snopark and Marble Mtn Snopark. 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 or at Marble Mtn Snopark. The Climber's Register is located at the Lone Fir Resort, 16806 Lewis River Road, Cougar, WA. (360) 238-5210. 2009 Climbing Permit Sales will begin at 9:00 a.m. PST on February 1, 2009: Permits for the April 1 October 31 climbing fee season are sold online, in-advance on a first-come, first-served basis through the Mount St. Helens Institute. Active Volcano Hazards(USGS Photo - Aerial view Mount St. Helens eruption - October 1, 2004. ) For updated information on volcanic activity, please see: USGS - Mount St. Helens Weekly Update
[Updated: February 22, 2008] Geologists report that the dome building eruption that has been underway for more than three years at Mount St. Helens has stopped. During a period of dome growth in the 1980's such pauses in eruptive activity sometimes lasted for several weeks to almost a year. Geologists caution the new lava dome remains hot in some places and that the potential for localized hot avalanches or small steam explosions remains. Climbers and other winter recreationists should be aware that small steam explosions can occur without warning at any time. Although the impacts of such events are likely to be confined to the crater, it is important for potential climbers to understand they may be exposing themselves to volcanic hazards which cannot be forecast. Please review Active Volcano Hazards and other Climbing Safety information (links at right). Detailed information and FAQs about the ongoing eruption are available by visiting the USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory website. Volcanic hazards may include:
What to do if you encounter Volcanic Hazards?Do not panic.
If volcanic activity increases or if hazards on the climbing routes are forecast, climbing access will be suspended and $15 permit fee will be refunded. The $7 per permit service charge is non-refundable. |
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