Greetings, GE enthusiasts! Welcome to Mt. St. Helens FAQ <j/k>
First off...this overlay is a link to the USGS website's webcam, situated approximately 5 miles from the crater, at Johnston Ridge Observatory. The image refreshes every 5 minutes.
There's nothing wrong with the link to the webcam, usually. If you are seeing a grey, or black image only, either it's very cloudy between the cam and the crater, or it's not daylight yet. Be sure and check to see what time it is in the Pacific Northwest (GMT - 8hrs), when you view this overlay or website.
The webcam image does "freeze" occasionally, when its server connection goes down. If you go directly to the USGS website,
web page there is a text box directly below the cam image, which will contain any pertinent information regarding technical problems or future updates of the cam.
Visiting the webpage, if you hit the USGS/Cascades Volcano Observatory Report link, then on the Current Update link, you'll be taken directly to a daily statement from the USGS about what's happening on the mountain for the past 24 hours.
Oh, a little hint...if you catch the view in the webcam on a very clear night, you might witness a bright spot. That's the glow of the currently growing lava dome.
Explore the site, take a look at the extensive picture libraries, and have fun learning about the majestic lady I live only 40+/- miles away from!
Hope this helps!
~ Scott, in St. Helens, Oregon