We Hauled Some Ash

May 18, 1980: Mt. St. Helens erupts, ravaging the solitude of the Cascade Mountains—and the Columbia River’s shipping industry. 

The last active period of this young volcano (formed about 40,000 years ago) had been in the 19^th century, lasting until 1857. For more than 100 years following this period, Mt. St. Helens’ symmetrical beauty earned the nickname of “America’s Mt. Fuji.” With popular Spirit Lake on its flanks, Mt. St. Helens was an idyllic spot for water recreation, hiking and summer camps.

The mountain experienced a 4.2 magnitude earthquake in March 1980, followed by steam venting and, in April, an ominous bulging on the north side. The May 18 eruption caused the largest landslide in recorded history, rushing down the Toutle River, into the Cowlitz River and finally into the Columbia, where it blocked the shipping channel. Ships could not make it into the Port of Vancouver, and those docked were trapped.

The eruption paralyzed the port, but only for a brief time. Efforts to open the channel began when port staff testified before Congress and sought funding for dredging. Thanks to the Herculean efforts of the Army Corps of Engineers, 22 million yards of mud and debris were removed and the Columbia channel was opened to 40 feet on July 1, 1980—just 43 days after the eruption! While funding the dredging project was important, the public relations effort was an equal priority. Letting the world know the port was open in an era before the Internet was a task just as staggering as the dredging.

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