Stuff You Should Know Selects: When Mount St. Helens Blew Its Top
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Jan 25, 2025 The podcast dives deep into the explosive eruption of Mount St. Helens in 1980, weaving personal stories of bravery amidst chaos. It humorously contrasts butter preferences with geological discussions, setting a unique tone. Eyewitness accounts illustrate the eruption's devastating aftermath, including deadly lahars and transformative environmental changes. Cultural significance and indigenous folklore around the volcano enrich the narrative, while modern healthcare innovations are touched upon, showcasing a blend of history, science, and human resilience.
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Mount St. Helens' Surroundings
- Mount St. Helens was in a national forest, with recreational activities.
- It wasn't heavily populated, but there were cabins, youth camps, and logging operations.
Harry Truman Refuses Evacuation
- Harry Truman, who ran a lodge at Mount St. Helens, refused to evacuate.
- He became a folk hero for choosing to stay, along with his 16 cats.
Shift Swap
- Volcanologists David Johnston and Don Swanson swapped monitoring shifts at Mount St. Helens.
- Johnston was present during the eruption, while Swanson was away.