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USGS Volcano Notice for Aviation - DOI-USGS-AVO-2023-07-26T11:50:27-08:00

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(1) VOLCANO OBSERVATORY NOTICE FOR AVIATION (VONA)
(2) Issued: (20230726/2127Z)
(3) Volcano: Shishaldin (VNUM #311360)
(4) Current Color Code: ORANGE
(5) Previous Color Code: ORANGE
(6) Source: Alaska Volcano Observatory
(7) Notice Number: 2023/A1146
(8) Volcano Location: N 54 deg 45 min W 163 deg 58 min
(9) Area: Aleutians
(10) Summit Elevation: 9373 ft (2857 m)
(11) Volcanic Activity Summary:

The eruption of Shishaldin Volcano has gradually declined after increasing overnight. Seismicity has decreased and significant explosions are no longer being detected in infrasound data. Meteorological clouds up to 20,000–25,000 ft (6.1–7.6 km) above sea level began obscuring views of the volcano starting around 11:30 am AKDT (17:30 UTC). It is likely that lingering low-level ash emissions are continuing in the vicinity of the volcano.

Seismic activity and satellite data indicated that eruptive activity began increasing around 10:00 pm AKDT on July 25 (July 26 06:00 UTC). A sustained 15,000 ft (6 km) ash cloud was detected around 5:00 am AKDT (13:00 UTC) and drifted ENE from the volcano. Ash emissions, while diffuse, were visible in satellite data extending about 78 mi (125 km) from the volcano until clouds obscured views starting around 11:30 AKDT (17:30 UTC). The National Weather Service issued a SIGMET for this cloud.

Shishaldin Volcano is monitored by local seismic and infrasound sensors, web cameras, and a telemetered geodetic network. The local monitoring network has been partially impaired over the last few weeks due to telecommunications issues but seismic stations and web cameras south of the volcano were brought back online on July 19. In addition to the local monitoring network, AVO uses nearby geophysical networks, regional infrasound and lighting data, and satellite images to detect eruptions.

 

(12) Volcanic cloud height: drifting below 15,000 ft (4.6 km) above sea level, see SIGMET. Emissions from the vent are likely occurring at low levels.
(13) Other volcanic cloud information: Unknown
(14) Remarks:

Shishaldin Volcano, located near the center of Unimak Island in the eastern Aleutian Islands, is a spectacular symmetric cone with a base diameter of approximately 10 miles (16 km). A 660 ft. (200 m) wide funnel-shaped summit crater typically emits a steam plume and occasional small amounts of ash. Shishaldin is one of the most active volcanoes in the Aleutian volcanic arc, with at least 54 episodes of unrest including over 26 confirmed eruptions since 1824. Most eruptions are relatively small, although the April-May 1999 event generated an ash column that reached 45,000 ft. (14 km) above sea level.

(15) Contacts:

Matt Loewen, Acting Scientist-in-Charge, USGS, cwaythomas@usgs.gov, (907) 786-7497

David Fee, Coordinating Scientist, UAFGI, dfee1@alaska.edu, (907) 378-5460

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