Spring 2023
Volcano views
At WSU Vancouver, Mount St. Helens offers a picturesque beauty and scientific opportunity. » More ...
Eruption
Spring 2022
A deep burning under a thin skin
Washington State University geologists unearth secrets beneath Yellowstone’s fiery beauty. » More ...
Spring 2022
Large volcanic eruptions 1800–present in the United States*
*as delineated by its current international and state boundaries
1800 — Mount St. Helens (Washington) The eruption was seen by Native Americans. Oral tradition of NE Washington tribes noted many people starved to death the winter following the eruption.
1812 — Augustine Volcano (Alaska) Augustine has had six significant eruptions: 1812, 1883–1884, 1935, 1963–1964, 1976, and 1986. The 1883 eruption produced a tsunami.
1825 — Isanotski Peaks (Alaska) Also known as Isanotski Volcano, locally as “Ragged Jack,” is a multi-peaked mountain on Unimak Island, the easternmost Aleutian Island. Other … » More …
Summer 2020
When the sky fell
Forty years ago, on a fateful day in May, a volcanic eruption—unprecedented in modern times—etched itself on the memories of Washingtonians from Vancouver to Pullman. » More ...
Summer 2020
Reader memories of Mount St. Helens
Washington State Magazine asked readers to share their memories of the eruption of Mount St. Helens 40 years ago. Here are their recollections of that fateful day.
Long drive home
For whatever reason, we decided that May 18, 1980, was an excellent day to leave campus and go to the motocross races in Clarkia, Idaho. We were watching the races when a large, ominous thunderstorm appeared over the ridge. As we got ready to head for the cars to avoid the rain, it started to snow. Except it wasn’t snow. We hopped into the car and started the long drive back to Pullman. The … » More …