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http://www.katu.com/news/story.asp?ID=71467

September 29, 2004

Activity At Mount St. Helens Prompts Advisory

VANCOUVER, Wash. - Scientists raised the volcanic activity level at Mount St. Helens to a level two 'Volcanic Advisory' Wednesday afternoon. Earlier in the week the mountain was at a level one 'Notice of Volcanic Unrest'

They say earthquakes are "ramping up," which is increasing the likelihood of an eruption.

Scientists expect an eruption would be limited to within three miles of the volcano.

They do not expect a repeat of the big 1980 blast at Mount St. Helens.

Scientists told reporters at a news conference at the Volcano Observatory in Vancouver that they are more convinced now that magma is moving under the volcano.

Small earthquakes are now occurring at the rate of four a minute.

There also is a preliminary report that the lava dome in the crater has moved an inch-and-a-half, which could indicate pressure is building up in the volcano from gasses or magma.

The 1980 blast killed 57 people, leveled forests and dumped ash over the Northwest.