Memories of Mount St. HelensIn the spring of 1980, Mount St. Helens awoke from a century-long slumber with a series of dramatic changes. Most threatening was a bulge on the side of the snowy peak, pushing steadily outward. Near Spirit Lake, local resident Harry Truman refused to leave his lodge, even as scientists like David Johnston warned about potential destruction. On May 18, the mountain finally blew, enveloping whole communities in ash and smoke. Mudflows destroyed bridges, houses and highways, and fifty-seven people, including Truman and Johnston, lost their lives. Today, the mountain is quiet. Plants and animals have returned and hiking trails have been rebuilt, but the scars remain. Join author and journalist Jim Erickson as he recounts the unforgettable saga of the Mount St. Helens eruption. |
Contents
Preface | 7 |
Geologically St Helens Cone Was the Youngest in the Cascades | 15 |
PreEruptive Climbing History Includes Ascent by Author | 22 |
Harry R Truman a Legendary Man of the Mountain | 35 |
Day Before Eruption Coincidences Resulted in WhatIf Moments | 42 |
The Day Mount St Helens Exploded Like an Atomic Bomb | 49 |
President Carter Amazed at Volcanos Destructive Power | 55 |
Two Attached to National Geographic Saved by Dinner Whim | 61 |
Al Eggers Recalls Gravity Measurements on St Helens | 83 |
Botanists Found Life Returning to Mount St Helens 91 | 91 |
Harvesting Downed Timber and Replanting Seedlings | 100 |
Tower Bridge Emerges Rebuilt Others Survived | 109 |
The Niece of Famous Harry Truman Remembers | 119 |
Virginia Dale Devoted to Studying Plant Regeneration | 126 |
What Will Mount St Helens Do in the Future? | 134 |
| 141 | |
Colleague Noted Sacrifice of Ham Radio Operator | 67 |
Those Escaping St Helens Blast Described Devastation | 76 |
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