(Skamania County, WA) -- Residents in Oregon and Washington are observing the anniversary of the devastating eruption of Mount St. Helens. Thirty-five years ago today, on May 18th, 1980, the blast blew a nearly two-mile crater in the picturesque mountain and sent ash and debris miles into the air. Fifty-seven deaths resulted from the massive eruption. Three-and-a-half decades later, scientists are maintaining a close watch on the volcano.