On May 18, 1980 at 8:32 AM, Mount St. Helens erupted, the most disastrous in US history. In an instant 1,314 feet were removed from the summit, and a column of volcanic ash fell across North America.

This model features a side by side comparing the topography and glaciers of the summit before and after the eruption, with each layer representing 280 feet of vertical elevation. Pre-eruption topography was sourced from 1952 elevation survey data, while post eruption relies on modern digital elevation model data, the same used in our other St. Helens map. Each peak also features a laser engraved profile image of the summit at the time, and mounted on a contrasting dark stained panel.