Lava Dome Expansion Predicted at Volcano

VANCOUVER, Wash. — The lava dome in the gaping crater of Mt. St. Helens is likely to grow rapidly in the next two to 10 days, accompanied by ash plumes and small explosions, a U.S. Forest Service official said Sunday. Increased seismic activity began Thursday and there has been some deformation of the lava dome, but bad weather has prevented detailed observations, said Tom Corcoran of the Forest Service.