Scientists from the Alaska Volcano Observatory are monitoring Mount Redoubt Volcano around the clock. Levels of seismic activity at the volcano, 106 miles southwest of Anchorage, have increased and an eruption is possible within days to weeks. The U.S. Geological Survey has assessed the volcano as one of the nation's highest threat volcanoes.

Redoubt last erupted explosively nearly 20 years ago, sending ash plumes 40,000 feet into the air and causing engine failure in a 747 jet, which eventually landed safely. Ash also interrupted commercial air traffic into and out of Anchorage, and mudflows from the volcano threatened an oil-storage facility near Cook Inlet.