Mount St Helens Reel

Scottish Country Dance Instruction

MOUNT ST HELENS REEL (R4x32) 4C set Noyes Orr Washington State Centennial

1- 8 2s+3s chase anticlockwise round (inside set) while 1s and 4s turn partners RH, turn partners LH
9-16 1M+2M+3L+4L dance diagonal RSh reel of 4 (1M+2M pass RSh, 3L+4L pass RSh to start)
17-24 1L+2L+3M+4M dance diagonal LSh reel of 4 (1L+2L pass LSh, 3M+4M pass LSh to start)
25-28 All cross to opposite side passing partner RSh, 1s+2s and 3s+4s change places passing LSh on sides
29-32 All cross to opposite side passing partner RSh, 1s+4s change places passing LSh on sides

(MINICRIB. Dance crib compiled by Charles Upton, Deeside Caledonian Society, and his successors)

Dance Information

Mount St. Helens is an active stratovolcano located in Skamania County, Washington, in the United States, part of the Cascade Range. Known for its catastrophic eruption on May 18, 1980, it stands about 96 miles south of Seattle and 53 miles northeast of Portland, Oregon. This volcano is a prominent feature in the Pacific Northwest and is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, a major area in the basin of the Pacific Ocean where many earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur due to tectonic activity.

Before its 1980 eruption, Mount St. Helens' summit reached 9,677 feet above sea level. The eruption dramatically altered its landscape, reducing its height to 8,363 feet and creating a massive crater. This eruption, classified as a VEI (Volcanic Explosivity Index) 5 event, involved a lateral blast that devastated approximately 230 square miles to the north of the volcano. The eruption claimed the lives of 57 people, destroyed hundreds of homes, bridges, railways, and highways, and resulted in a significant ash cloud that affected 11 states.

The 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens is notable not only for its immediate destruction but also for the formation of a new lava dome within the crater. This dome has continued to grow through subsequent minor eruptions and lava extrusions. The volcano's ongoing geological activity is closely monitored by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and other scientific organizations. These efforts are facilitated by facilities such as the Johnston Ridge Observatory, which provides valuable data for research and public education.

Ecologically, the area surrounding Mount St. Helens has been a focal point for studies on natural recovery and adaptation. The Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, established in 1982, preserves the affected landscape and supports both scientific research and recreational activities. The recovery of plant and animal life in the blast zone offers significant insights into ecological resilience and succession.

In addition to its scientific and educational value, Mount St. Helens is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors engage in activities such as hiking and climbing while learning about the volcano's history and ongoing natural processes. The combination of its dramatic geological history, ecological recovery, and recreational opportunities makes Mount St. Helens a unique and important natural site.

St Helens Plume From Harrys Ridge (5 Miles (8 Km) North Of The Mountain)

Dance information licensed under this Creative Commons Licence 3.0.
Text from this original Mount St Helens article on Wikipedia.
Image copyright Lyn Topinka, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

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