Return to Life

Blown Down Forest
with snowpack on May 18th

Small trees that survived the eruption under deep snow banks formed important early habitat in the blast zone.

Blown Down Forest
with no snow on May 18th

Blown down trees gradually decompose as the area is colonized first by vigorous “weedy” plants and later by shrubs and trees.

Blast Zone Clearcuts

Fireweed and other well-adapted plants sprouted from erosion gullies and spread across the blast zone.

Scorch (Standing Dead Forest)

As the standing dead forest gradually disappears, a new forest is rising from the remains of the old.

Debris Avalanche (Landslide)

Reshaped by erosion, the valley’s wetlands and developing alder forest are teeming with life.