On this day in 1980, Mount St. Helens erupts, marking the deadliest volcanic eruption in U.S. history
May 18, 2025
|Recurring Event (See all)
An event every year that begins at 12:00 am on day 18 of May, repeating indefinitely
On May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helens erupted in Washington State, killing 57 people and causing $3 million in damages. It was the deadliest and most destructive volcano eruption in U.S. history, destroying 230 square miles of forest area within minutes.
Did you know? Fluctuating between periods of calm and activity, Mount St. Helens erupted as recently as 2008. The U.S. Geological Survey predicts that it will erupt again during our lifetimes (though probably not as violently as in 1980). 🌋🌋🌋
Mount St. Helens eruption, Austin Post, 1980
