BN C425 4264Portland OR Portland

This photo was made just seven months before Mt. St. Helens erupted and spoiled the perfectly-shaped cone just barely seen here. The volcano's north side (at left from this perspective) collapsed during the eruption, laying waste to thousands of acres of heavy forests. Ash fallout was heaviest to the east and northeast, but even the west coast of Oregon did not escape the gritty mess when smaller subsequent eruptions and east winds conspired to send ash to the west. For the railroads, the cost of keeping their locomotives running went through the roof, due to more frequent oil and air filter changes being necessary. The ash turned out to be so heavy that power washing would be the only way to get rid of it.