Alaska Volcano Observatory - Current AVO Reports

Alaska

Weekly Update - Issued on Fridays, reports on all Alaskan volcanoes

Information Release - Issued on significant changes at an Alaskan volcano

Status Report - Issued daily, reports on restless Alaskan volcanoes

AVO Status Report

ALASKA VOLCANO OBSERVATORY DAILY UPDATE
Wednesday, May 6, 2009 2:12 PM AKDT (Wednesday, May 6, 2009 22:12 UTC)

REDOUBT VOLCANO (CAVW #1103-03-)
60�29'7" N 152�44'38" W, Summit Elevation 10197 ft (3108 m)
Current Aviation Color Code: ORANGE
Current Volcano Alert Level: WATCH

The 2009 eruption of Redoubt continues. Seismicity at the volcano has intensified in the last 24 hours, with nearly continuous small earthquakes now being recorded near the summit. Steam emissions have become increasingly vigorous over the last 24 hours. Satellite data from this morning show minor ash components in plume emissions. Rockfalls also continue to trigger ash emissions near the summit.

At approximately 22:00 AKDT on May 5 (0600 UTC May 6), there was a distinct increase in seismicity, with a near doubling in the intensity of volcanic tremor and a notable increase in the number of discrete events. At the same time, steam emissions greatly intensified and were briefly accompanied by vigorous ash emissions that did not exceed 12,000 feet above sea level.

AVO is monitoring the situation closely and the observatory is staffed 24/7. AVO will provide frequent updates of the volcano's status and the earliest possible warning of significant explosive activity and other hazardous phenomena.

VOLCANO INFORMATION ON THE INTERNET: http://www.avo.alaska.edu

RECORDING ON THE STATUS OF ALASKA'S VOLCANOES (907) 786-7478

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Tom Murray, Scientist-in-Charge, USGS
tlmurray@usgs.gov (907) 786-7497

Mike West, Acting Coordinating Scientist, UAF
west@gi.alaska.edu (907) 474-6977

The Alaska Volcano Observatory is a cooperative program of the U.S. Geological Survey, the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute, and the Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys.

Volcano Alert Levels

NORMAL
Volcano is in typical background, noneruptive state or, after a change from a higher level, volcanic activity has ceased and volcano has returned to noneruptive background state.

ADVISORY
Volcano is exhibiting signs of elevated unrest above known background level or, after a change from a higher level, volcanic activity has decreased significantly but continues to be closely monitored for possible renewed increase.

WATCH
Volcano is exhibiting heightened or escalating unrest with increased potential of eruption, timeframe uncertain, OR eruption is underway but poses limited hazards.

WARNING
Hazardous eruption is imminent, underway, or suspected.

UNASSIGNED

Aviation Color Codes

GREEN
Volcano is in typical background, noneruptive state or, after a change from a higher level, volcanic activity has ceased and volcano has returned to noneruptive background state.

YELLOW
Volcano is exhibiting signs of elevated unrest above known background level or, after a change from a higher level, volcanic activity has decreased significantly but continues to be closely monitored for possible renewed increase.

ORANGE
Volcano is exhibiting heightened or escalating unrest with increased potential of eruption, timeframe uncertain, OR eruption is underway with no or minor volcanic-ash emissions [ash-plume height specified, if possible].

RED
Eruption is imminent with significant emission of volcanic ash into the atmosphere likely OR eruption is underway or suspected with significant emission of volcanic ash into the atmosphere [ash-plume height specified, if possible].

Volcano Activity Notifications