Additional pictures of the Mount St. Helens Climb

Volcanic rock on the mountain

Mt. Adams

Jim took this picture looking into the lava dome from the rim. This new dome started growing between the old dome and the crater wall. A lava dome grows from magma pushing up from below; more dangerous than it looks, it is a brittle shell of cooling lava capping an explosive mix of gas and molten rock. This new dome is called a "whaleback" as it looks like a whale shouldering its way to the surface. Activity continues with a massive new "fin"......a 300 foot tall spine of lava sprouting from the new lava dome. Rockfalls and small emissions of steam and ash are still common. The question is?? What will Mount St. Helens do next? No one knows for sure! Access to the summit is restricted if there are any signs of volcanic activity in the crater.

Another picture looking into the crater.

Mt. Adams

Seismic equipment on the mountain.

Jim coming down the mountain.