VANCOUVER, Wash. -
Scientists have raised the alert level for an eruption at Mount St. Helens to a level three, the third of four levels.
They say earthquakes are "ramping up," which is increasing the likelihood of an eruption.
Scientists expect an eruption would be limited to within three miles of the volcano.
They do not expect a repeat of the big 1980 blast at Mount St. Helens.
Scientists told reporters at a news conference at the Volcano Observatory in Vancouver that they are more convinced now that magma is moving under the volcano.
Small earthquakes are now occurring at the rate of four a minute.
There also is a preliminary report that the lava dome in the crater has moved an inch-and-a-half, which could indicate pressure is building up in the volcano from gasses or magma.
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