Scientists warn Mount St. Helens could erupt again without warning

Mount St. Helens remained on alert Saturday after the Washington state volcano expelled a large column of steam and ash the previous day. Geologists warned that the mountain was still dangerous and could produce another eruption at any time.

The US Geological Survey (USGS) said precise timing was impossible to forecast. Agency scientists were coordinating alert protocols with multiple authorities, including the Federal Aviation Administration, which issued warnings Friday directing aircraft away from the surrounding airspace.

Although the mountain fell quiet after Friday's activity, pressure inside began recovering almost immediately. USGS hydrologist Thomas Pierson said heat and intensity readings returned to pre-eruption levels within hours, then climbed higher still.

The volcano's most recent prior eruption was in 1986. A far more destructive event in 1980 killed 57 people.

Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this AFP wire report, first published in October 2004, in its own words.