October 1, 2004—As a result of increased seismic activity on Mount St. Helens, the U.S. Geological Survey's Cascades Volcano Observatory increased the alert level to the third level, out of a possible four, on September 30, 2004. It was 24 years ago that Mount St. Helens erupted, killing 57 people and destroying more than 150 square miles of forest. The resulting landslides were among the largest in recorded history—ash from the explosion was found around the world.

Seismic activity within the crater of Mount St. Helens is currently being recorded at a rate of three to four events per minute, with magnitude 3 to 3.3 quakes occurring every few minutes. Scientists are concerned that the continuing earthquake activity will weaken the lava dome that grew in the crater for six years after the 1980 eruption. New measurements show the lava dome has moved 2.5 inches since Monday, according to Jeff Wynn, Chief Scientist at the U.S. Geological Survey's Cascade Volcano Observatory.

According to Steve Malone, a seismologist at the University of Washington, a similar eruption "is not in the cards at this time" (Los Angeles Times, September 30, 2004, “Seismologist Raise Alert Level for the Quaking Mt. St. Helens”). He and other scientists are also aware that predicting volcanic eruptions is not an exact science; the anticipated eruption at Mount St. Helens may not occur or may be larger than expected.

Mount St. Helens is the most active volcano in the Cascade Range of the Pacific Northwest. In the last 515 years, it has produced four major explosive eruptions (each with at least one cubic kilometer of eruption deposits) and dozens of lesser eruptions. (Wolfe, Edward W. and Pierson, Thomas C., Volcanic-Hazard Zonation for Mount St. Helens, Washington, 1995)



"…one scientist put the chance of a small eruption happening in the next few days at 70 percent."
The Associated Press, 10/1/2004

Volcanic hazards fall into six major categories: gases, lahars (debris flows), landslides, lava (molten rock) flows, pyroclastic flows (fast-moving mixtures of rock and gases), and tephra (airborne rock particles, from ash to one meter in diameter.)

Ash usually affects a much larger area than other types of volcano hazards. With no urban populations in the area immediately surrounding Mount St. Helens, much of the damage from the 1980 eruptions resulted from falling ash. Unfortunately the direction, location, and amount of ashfall are difficult to predict in advance. Under alert conditions, the best approach is to review emergency response plans and prepare for ashfall.

Executives with facilities and personnel exposed to volcanic hazards should be dealing with questions such as:

• Have we identified and quantified the volcanic hazards affecting our facility?
• Do we have a business continuity plan that will enable us to shift or relocate operations to facilities not affected by the volcanic eruption?
• Does our evacuation plan include alternate routes to avoid debris flows, flooding, and ashfall?
• If necessary, are we prepared to shelter employees in place until the event is over?
• Have our emergency response plans been coordinated with public emergency responders?
• Have our emergency response, disaster recovery, and business continuity plans been tested?
• Do we have the expertise and experience required to prepare, file, and negotiate any claims resulting from an eruption?
• Are we able to effectively communicate with both internal and external stakeholders?

Once the risk is properly understood and quantified, organizations should review their business continuity plans and emergency response capabilities to ensure that people know what to do in the event of an eruption. Plans should be tested and exercised frequently enough to ensure employees are aware of evacuation and communication procedures. Additionally, all plans should be coordinated with the appropriate federal, state, and local agencies.



A small or moderate eruption could send ash and rock as far as three miles from the crater.

If Mount St. Helens erupts, organizations that are affected should review their policies and coverage with their brokers or agents, and work to determine what aspects of the loss are covered as well as the documentation required by insurers. An evaluation and understanding of coverage, deductibles, and triggers, as well as filing requirements, is critical to expedite the claims recovery process and hold discussions with insurers.

Though no one can predict with complete accuracy when—or even if—Mount St. Helens will erupt, businesses should be ready to deal with the resulting effects so they can move quickly to recover and re-establish business as usual.

If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact us.