Gifford Pinchot National Forest

	USDA Forest Service Gifford Pinchot National Forest Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument
For Immediate Release: March 21, 2005
Contact: Tom Knappenberger (360) 891-5005 or Roger Peterson (360) 891-5007

Mount St. Helens to Re-Open Many Areas Closed by Volcanic Activity

VANCOUVER, WA -- Many facilities and trails closed last fall by volcanic activity -- including the Johnston Ridge Observatory five and one-half miles from the volcano’s crater – will re-open for the season, Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument officials announced today.

Johnston Ridge, evacuated Oct. 2 as volcanic activity increased, will re-open Friday, May 6. It is normally closed during the winter. Windy Ridge and other viewpoints on the mountain’s south and east sides will re-open as normal snow removal and road repairs allow, probably by late May to mid-June. Ridge-top trails north of the volcano and the Mount Margaret backcountry, a permit-only backpacking area, will re-open as conditions permit. Ape Cave, outside the closure area, will re-open March 25, but will have no interpretive staff until later in the season.

“As long as the volcano continues its quiet dome building eruption we believe conditions will allow the public to safely view this amazing, unfolding story of nature in action,” Monument Manager Cliff Ligons said. “Of course, as we’ve seen, things can change quickly and we are prepared to re-assert closures as necessary. People’s safety is always our top priority.”

The mountain will remain closed above the Loowit Trail – approximately tree line - keeping the popular south-side climbing route closed. Forest Road 8100-830 and the Climber’s Bivouac will remain closed for road resurfacing and restoration work at Bivouac campsites. Portions of the Truman and Loowit trails on the volcano’s north side also will remain closed because of potential mudflows. Off-trail areas north and west of the volcano will remain closed, as usual, to protect developing plant and animal life and scientific research.

After the volcano re-awakened in late September with earthquakes, steam and ash emissions, Monument officials closed a five-mile radius around the mountain. Mount St. Helens has remained at a Level II volcanic advisory since October. The Observatory and other viewpoint attractions normally close for the winter at the end of October and re-open in early May when snow can be cleared and facilities prepared for the season.

Ligons said safety precautions are in place, including evacuation plans, should volcanic activity warrant. He said Monument staff continues to work closely with the Washington Emergency Management Division, as well as the Cowlitz and Skamania sheriff’s departments, the Washington State Patrol and the Washington Department of Transportation.

For the latest information about volcanic closures, Monument programs and upcoming 25th anniversary events, visit www.fs.fed.us/gpnf

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US Forest Service
Gifford Pinchot National Forest - Vancouver, WA
Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument - Amboy, WA
Last Modified: Monday, 21 March 2005 at 15:10:41 EDT