09/18/2025
🔹Volcanic ash from Mt. St. Helens eruption stirred by winds, settles over Greater Victoria; USGS issues notice🔹
Have you noticed a haze on your vehicle or property this morning? It is likely to be from disturbed piles of volcanic ash from the Mt. St. Helens eruption that occurred over four decades ago.
And that’s not a joke coming out of the premier’s office.
It is best not to wipe the ash on easily scratched surfaces, as it is highly abrasive and can damage materials, including automotive paint. Use a hose, a leaf blower or a touch-less car wash to clean your vehicle. Exterior surfaces can be hosed down or the dust can be blown with a leaf blower (try not to blow it onto your neighbour’s car).
More details from the USGS:
MOUNT ST. HELENS (VNUM # 321050)
46°12' N 122°10'48" W, Summit Elevation 8363 ft (2549 m)
Current Volcano Alert Level: NORMAL
Current Aviation Color Code: GREEN
Summary: Stong winds are resuspending ash at Mount St. Helens.
There is no change in Volcano Alert Level or Aviation Color Code at this time. Mount St. Helens remains at normal, background levels of activity.
Current Observations
Strong easterly–southeasterly winds in the vicinity of Mount St. Helens have picked up loose volcanic ash deposited during the 1980 eruptions and are carrying it to the west–northwest. The resuspended ash has been reported by commercial pilots in the area.
This phenomenon is not the result of recent volcanic activity and occasionally occurs during times of high winds and dry snow-free conditions in the Mount St. Helens area. No eruption is in progress and Mount St. Helens remains at Aviation Color Code GREEN and Alert Level NORMAL. Resuspended volcanic ash should be considered hazardous and could be damaging to aircraft and health.
