USGS Volcano Notice for Aviation - DOI-USGS-AVO-2023-09-23T17:14:58-08:00

Seismic tremor has continued to increase over the day at Shishaldin Volcano and geophysical signals suggest low-level eruptive activity is likely occurring with the summit crater. Based on previous episodes of activity, this activity may culminate in more significant lava fountaining and ash emissions within hours. However, no strongly elevated temperatures indicative of lava at the surface or ash emissions have accompanied the elevated seismicity thus far. The volcano is mostly obscured by clouds between 2,000 and 15,000 ft above sea level, which preclude observations of possible low-level activity. However, regional infrasound sensors have detected some signals from the direction of Shishaldin that suggest minor eruptive activity within the summit crater may been occurring. If geophysical or remote sensing signals intensify or a significant eruption begins, the Alaska Volcano Observatory will issue further notices of volcanic activity. 

Recent significant ash events during the current eruption resulted in ash clouds with heights up to 40,000 ft (12 km) above sea level. These events can occur with little warning. It is also possible that ash emissions may occur at a lower-level, steady state and be sustained for many hours. AVO is monitoring the volcano closely and will issue additional Volcanic Activity Notice’s to provide notice of significant changes in activity as they occur.

Shishaldin Volcano is monitored by local seismic and infrasound sensors, web cameras, and a telemetered geodetic network. In addition to the local monitoring network, AVO uses nearby geophysical networks, regional infrasound and lighting data, and satellite images to detect eruptions.