Monday, October 4th, 2004 — The U.S. Geological Survey has raised its volcanic activity advisory to Level 3, its highest warning and the equivalent of "code red." (Related story: Tourists wait for eruption)
Scientists and hundreds of onlookers have been evacuated from the observation area closest to the 8,634-foot giant, the Johnston Ridge Observatory, 5 miles from the crater in Washington state.
Scientists thought the volcano had quieted after a minor eruption on Friday, which was the first from Mount St. Helens in 18 years. A swarm of small earthquakes that started Sept. 23 appeared to fade.