Wind gusts that stirred up ash around Mount St. Helens in Washington have people asking: Is the sleeping giant awake?

The National Weather Service in Portland responded to reports of volcanic ash coming from Mount St. Helens on Sept. 16, assuring residents in the surrounding areas that the mountain is not erupting. The ash is leftover from the previous 1980 eruptions.

The statement noted wind gusts from the east stirred the residual ash on Mount St. Helens and that is what people are seeing.

The United States Geological Survey also issued a Cascades Volcano Observatory Information Statement, further confirming no volcanic activity around Mt. Saint Helens.

"Strong winds are resuspending ash at Mount St. Helens," the statement said. "There is no change in Volcano Alert Level or Aviat

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