Memories of Mount St. Helens: A Global Phenomenon Through Personal Accounts

Introduction

The eruption of Mount St. Helens on May 18, 1980, was one of the most significant volcanic events in United States history. This article aims to dissect the experiences of several people who were alive on that day, providing a vivid and detailed portrayal of the event from different perspectives.

Personal Account from Portland, Oregon

In Portland, Oregon, the eruption of Mount St. Helens was not just a global phenomenon but also a life-changing event for many residents. One such resident, who preferred to remain anonymous, recounts the surreal experience of the eruption.

“It was a day that felt like the end of the world,” the resident said. “My mom was looking out the window and said, 'What’s going on?' I thought it was just a gloomy day, but then I saw the ash raining down like snow. It was as if the sky was harboring a nuclear winter where ash blocked the sun and snowed down.” The ash was so thick that they were told to stay indoors for a week.

The resident continued, “I always ensure I have enough food to last at least a week. That event taught me the importance of having an emergency kit stocked with essentials. The ash, when melted, would blow around the entire area, making it hard to breathe and making it difficult to go outside.”

Experience from the United Kingdom

Across the Atlantic, in the United Kingdom, a different set of circumstances surrounded the eruption. The family of the now deceased father, whose birthday fell on that day, felt the impact of the news through the medium of radio.

“I remember hearing about it on the radio. It was my father’s 47th birthday, which was unfortunately [since 2022], and the news about Mount St. Helens was overshadowing the celebrations. The radio reports were stark and somber, providing few details but enough to understand the severity of the event,” said the family member.

A-Ray's Personal Experience at Portland International Raceway

While others were focused on news reports, A-Ray, a local car enthusiast, was participating in an event at the Portland International Raceway (PIR) sponsored by his local BMW car club. His primary focus was on driving his sedan around the track and photographing the aftermath of the eruption.

“We were more focused on the event than the news. It was a typical car rally day until someone’s girlfriend, who might have been my girlfriend, drove in with the news that the mountain had blown. We didn’t hear it, but the noise from our cars made a lot of racket,” A-Ray recalled.

“The news reports said that no one in Portland had heard the eruption, but people in Eugene, about 100 miles away, did. Our sky was hazy, and the ash made it look like a snowy day. We decided to head to the West Hills of Portland to catch better photos. Unfortunately, the hazy sky made our photos have low contrast. I’ve stored those negatives somewhere, and someday, I might scan them to see if I can improve the contrast with Photoshop.”

Doctor Rick Oli's Witness Account

Dr. Rick Oliver, a noted geologist and eyewitness to the Mount St. Helens eruption, provides a detailed account of the event.

“I was there when it blew up, and it was like no other event I had ever witnessed. The eruption was characterized by a sudden release of steam and ash, creating a devastating impact on the surrounding area. The sky turned hazy, and it was challenging to see far into the distance due to the dust and ash particles in the air. The sound waves were intense, but it was more noticeable in areas closer to the mountain, like Eugene, compared to the city of Portland,” Dr. Oliver explained.

Closing Thoughts

The eruption of Mount St. Helens was not just an environmental event but a significant event in human history. It brought together diverse experiences from different parts of the world, each person having a unique story to tell. These personal accounts highlight the profound impact of the eruption on individuals, communities, and the world at large.