| May 18, 1980 at 8:32 am., the most violent volcanic eruption in more than 30,000 years blew 1300 feet off the top of this peak into the atmosphere with the force of 5,000 H-bombs with temperatures ranging from 1800o to 2200o F. A prevailing wind from the west scattered gray ash 3-6 inches deep in eastern Washington, Idaho, and drifted across the continental U.S. With particles penetrating the stratosphere. This photograph was taken eight hours after the eruption. The mountain erupted again May 25th and June 12th, 1980. |
