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
###
|