Mount Saint Helens peak
Mount Saint Helens rises to 8,364 ft in Pacific-Ranges within the Cascade Range range.
Rising to an elevation of 8,363 feet, it is one of the most active volcanoes in the region. The mountain is known for its large size, with a base diameter of approximately 5 miles and a volume of around 2.4 cubic miles. Its symmetrical cone shape is a result of successive lava flows, ash, and rock deposits over thousands of years.
During the winter season, Mount Saint Helens receives a significant amount of snowfall. Snowpack accumulation can vary depending on the year, but on average, it ranges from 10 to 15 feet. This makes it a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts, including skiers and snowboarders.
Several creeks and rivers are fed by the runoff from the mountain's snow and glaciers. The most notable among these is the Toutle River, which originates from the slopes of Mount Saint Helens and flows through the surrounding valleys. It has historically experienced lahars (volcanic mudflows) during major eruptions, posing significant hazards to downstream communities.
The name Mount Saint Helens was given to the volcano by British explorer George Vancouver in 1792, honoring a fellow British diplomat named Alleyne Fitzherbert, who held the title of Baron St. Helens. Interestingly, the mountain also has a rich history of Native American legends and lore. The indigenous Cowlitz people believed that the mountain was inhabited by powerful spirits and played a central role in their cultural mythology.
Overall, Mount Saint Helens' majestic size, winter snowpack, and ecological impact on nearby waterways make it a captivating and geologically significant peak in the Pacific Ranges.
For trail conditions and access, search Wikipedia or the local land manager's site. Browse other peaks in the Pacific-Ranges range.
Snowpack near Mount Saint Helens
Snow water equivalent and snowpack depth at SNOTEL stations near the peak. Best proxy for what's currently sitting on the summit.
| SNOTEL station | Snowpack | View |
|---|---|---|
| Nohrsc Clear Lake | 1 in | → |
| Nohrsc Cougar Mountain | 1 in | → |
| Mud Ridge | 1 in | → |
| Nohrsc Blazed Alder | 1 in | → |
| Lynn Lake | 4 in | → |
| Nohrsc Rex River | 2 in | → |
| Nohrsc Surprise Lakes | 2 in | → |
| Nohrsc Sheep Canyon | 6 in | → |
| Nohrsc Paradise | 48 in | → |
| Nohrsc North Fork | 1 in | → |
| Mt Hood Test Site | 18 in | → |
| Surprise Lakes | 1 in | → |
Streamflow near Mount Saint Helens
USGS streamgauges in the basin drained by this peak. Spring snowmelt from the summit feeds these flows.
| Gauge | Streamflow | View |
|---|---|---|
| Columbia Slough At Portland | 653 cfs | → |
| Hood River At Tucker Bridge | 536 cfs | → |
| Tualatin River At West Linn | 473 cfs | → |
| Sandy River Near Marmot | 912 cfs | → |
| Fanno Creek At Durham | 15 cfs | → |
| Clackamas River Near Oregon City | 1,620 cfs | → |
| Clackamas River At Estacada | 1,440 cfs | → |
Plan around incoming weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column -- snow at this elevation typically lags the radar signature by a few hours.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day forecast
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
What's around Mount Saint Helens
Ski areas, river runs, fishing spots, campgrounds, parks, reservoirs, and boat launches within driving distance of Mount Saint Helens.
Ski areas
- Hurricane Ridge
- Timberline Ski Area
- The Summit At Snoqualmie
- Mt. Bachelor
- Mt. Baker Ski Area
- Crystal Mountain Resort
River runs
- (Upper Muddy Segment) Headwaters In Se1/4 Of Sec 10, T8n, R5e To Conflence With Smith Creek
- (Smith Creek Segment) Headwaters In Se 1/4 Of Sec 3, T8n, R5e To Confluence With Muddy River
- Middle Of Sec 19, T8n, R7e To Confluence With Muddy River In Se1/4 Of Sec 1, T7n, R6e
- Trail 80 Crossing In Nw1/4 Of Sec 28, T9n, R5e To Middle Of Sec 19 T8n, R7e
- Headwaters In Se1/4 Of Sec 31, T10n, R6e To Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument Boundary
- Headwaters In Sw1/4 Sec 28, T9n, R5e To Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument Boundary
Get Mount Saint Helens on your phone.
Save this peak as a favorite and get push alerts when storms move in, fresh snow falls upstream, or NWS issues a weather warning. Free, account optional.
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Set up an alert
Custom alerts are configured in the Snoflo iOS app. Open the app, navigate to this peak, and tap the bell icon to set thresholds for snowfall, temperature, or wind.