The strong winds in parts of the state of Washington have raised volcanic ashes deposited during the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens, creating nebulous conditions and reducing air quality.
The phenomenon, known as the resuspension of ashes, occurs when dry and loose ashes become air back by racing winds, according to the US Geological Service..
The neighborhood of Mount St. Helens has been experiencing a persistently dry climate and currently faces serious drought conditions.
Mount Saint Helens Erupts, May 18, 1980, in the state of Washington.
John T. Barr/Getty Images
Commercial pilots in the area have reported resuspended ash, which the USGS warns must be considered dangerous due to its potential to damage aircraft and impact human health.
This phenomenon occurs occasionally in times of strong winds and dry conditions without snow in the area of Mount St. Helens.
Mount St. Helens is seen in a webcam, on September 16, 2025.
USGS
Both the USGS and the National Meteorological Service have reiterated that this is not the result of a recent volcanic activity.
“Mount Saint Helens is not erupting,” the NWS published unknown Tuesday afternoon. “The volcanic ash of the 1980s is going crazy in the air from the strong winds of the east.”
The volcano alert level in Mount St. Helens is currently in “normal” or “green code”, according to the USGS.
