03:13 PM PDT on Sunday, October 17, 2004

By kgw.com and AP Staff

MOUNT ST. HELENS, Wash. -- Growth of the new lava dome inside the crater of Mount St. Helens continued over the weekend, scientists said, indicating that lava remains quietly pushing into the crater.

AP photo

New growth shows tinges of red and green in the Mount St. Helens crater as magma continues to push to the surface where it becomes lava.

Since last Monday, it's been building a new lobe on the lava dome at the volcano and geologists have recently observed that the stone "fin" on the lobe may be starting to split. The uplifted area is about 1,600 feet across and 400 feet high, but scientists can't determine the exact dimensions of the new structure because of steam and fumes.

The fin's precise makeup won't be known until scientists can find a way to pick up a sample for analysis. Scientists are working on a way to safely get samples of the fin.

The mountain was shrouded in fog and clouds this weekend, but brief views inside the crater from aircraft showed bright red lava glowing on the gray lava dome.

The U.S. Geological Survey said earthquake activity has been low for the past day, but experts warn there is still a chance of an eruption at any time that could shoot ash in the air.

"Increase in the intensity of eruption could occur suddenly or with very little warning and may include explosive events that produce hazardous conditions within several miles of the volcano," the USGS said in a statement Sunday.

One sign that authorities no longer consider the volcano a large threat is that the U.S. Forest Service has reopened some roads and trails near Mount St. Helens for hunters and hikers. They include the Ape Cave and the Trail of Two Forests.

An area five miles around the volcano remains closed because of the risk of an eruption. The closure includes the Johnston Ridge Observatory.