Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 4, 2004
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Gov. Gary Locke’s Statement on Oct. 4 Developments at Mt. St. Helens

Gov. Gary Locke issued the following statement on today’s steam and ash event at Mt. St. Helens:

“At 9:47 a.m. this morning, Mt. St. Helens experienced another steam and ash event. I am continuing to closely monitor the developments at Mt. St. Helens in coordination with our state Emergency Management Division (EMD) and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

“Reports from the USGS indicate that this event was consistent with scientists’ expectations, and was likely the result of hot magma rising up within the mountain coming into contact with the glacier and creating a steam burst. The plume contained a small amount of ash. Earthquakes are continuing and scientists are watching the situation closely.

“The state Emergency Operations Center is prepared to provide assistance should the need arise. A Joint Information Center (JIC), providing a centralized source of information and access for the media, was established at the U.S. Forest Service Gifford Pinchot National Forest Headquarters, Vancouver, Washington, on Sunday.

“Since 1980, sophisticated monitoring and communications systems have been put in place to gather and share information on Mt. St. Helens. We have taken many steps to mitigate possible hazards in the area. Our state has been a leader in hazard mitigation, as illustrated by our recent first-in-the-nation completion of an enhanced hazard mitigation plan earlier this year, as required by FEMA.”

The JIC is currently staffed from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. All media briefings and interviews are taking place there. The Pinchot Headquarters is located at 10600 NE 51st Circle, Vancouver, Wash. The phone number for media to call to reach JIC staff is 360-891-5180.

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