06/08/2026
Stay safe and always come prepared!
Today we're recognizing the heroic work of the Volcano Rescue Team (VRT) ⛑️ who responded to MULTIPLE incidents on Mount St. Helens last week:
• Three separate rescues involved climbers who ended up off-route after following glissade chutes and required technical assistance.
• One medical evacuation was needed for a climber who suffered a lower extremity injury while on the climbing route.
Two incidents occurred within just an hour of each other but fortunately BOTH of these groups were equipped with emergency signaling devices, aiding coordination of the rescue missions. Thanks to the VRT, all climbers were safely located, evacuated, and returned home.
The VRT remind folks preparing for a climb to:
• Carry the Ten Essentials
• Use mapping and satellite communication devices
• Plan your route and know your turnaround time
• Stay hydrated and maintain proper nutrition
• Sign the climber registration log
• Let friends or family know your itinerary and expected return time
If you become lost or disoriented, stay where you are. Remaining in place greatly improves VRT's ability to locate and assist you quickly. Take a look at their list of Mount St. Helen's Climbing Essentials before you head out: volcanorescueteam.org/mount-st-helens.
With that in mind, here's what the 🌨️ FORECAST 🌨️ has in store:
Friday 6/5: Light rain and snow moving in by mid-day. Summit high of 26 F with 20 mph winds. Clouds and fog likely to make for low visibility throughout the day.
Saturday 6/6: Rain lower on the mountain transitioning to snow at higher elevations (current forecasts call for 2-10" of snow on the upper mountain). Summit high of 20 F with 20mph winds and wind chill in the single digits. Clouds and fog likely present throughout the day; expect ice on the upper mountain.
Sunday 6/7: Yesterday's storm is anticipated to abate and bring milder conditions, but it may leave the upper mountain icy/snow covered. A partly sunny day is forecast with a summit high around 38 F and winds under 20 mph. Winds may pick up in the evening increasing to 30 mph and fresh snow (possibly up to 6") is forecast late in the day.
Monday 6/9 into next week: Rain, snow, colder temperatures, fog, and windy conditions are projected from Monday into mid-week. With the potential for another 8" of snow by Tuesday morning.
Photo courtesy of MSHI Volunteer Andy Goodwin.
