USGS Volcano Notice - DOI-USGS-AVO-2024-10-17T20:01:03+00:00

Lava continues to erupt slowly at Great Sitkin Volcano. Ongoing activity is adding to a thick lava flow that fills most of the summit crater with minor advancement of the northern part of the eastern lobe. Small earthquakes associated with the ongoing lava eruption continue. Nothing unusual was observed in cloudy satellite and web camera imagery.  

A single explosive event occurred in May 2021 and was followed by the ongoing eruption of lava that began in July 2021. No explosive events have occurred since May 2021. Local seismic and infrasound sensors and web cameras are used to monitor Great Sitkin along with regional infrasound and lightning networks and satellite data.

No major changes were detected in the past day at Mount Spurr. Seismicity remains elevated with several small earthquakes detected. No unusual activity was observed in satellite data over the past day, however minor steam emissions could be seen in web camera views.

AVO continues to closely monitor activity at Mount Spurr for signals that would indicate that the volcano is moving closer to an eruption. Based on previous eruptions, changes from current activity in the earthquakes, ground deformation, summit lake, and fumaroles would be expected if magma began to move closer to the surface. Therefore, it is very likely that if an eruption were to occur it would be proceeded by additional signals that would allow advance warning.

Local seismic, infrasound, web cameras, and GNSS stations are used to monitor Mount Spurr along with regional infrasound, lightning networks and satellite data.