Mount St Helens is known around the world as a result of its eruption in 1980, the power of which, comparable to that of 500 atomic bombs, destroyed its north side and resulted in catastrophic flooding that killed 57 people. After the eruption, the volcano, which previously had a height of 9 676ft, was reduced to just 8 360ft. Today, this transformed mountain, which is surrounded by a nature reserve covering 172mi², has become a popular tourist destination.