National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

This is a loop of 3.9 micron satellite imagery. This is a near-infrared channel that is sensitive to temperatures.

The image at 0130Z (530 pm PST) shows a black spot at Mt St Helens, indicating very warm temperatures. The subsequent images show the cooling of the volcano, as well as the drifting ash cloud to the east.

Ash plume on satellite image loop