USGS Volcano Notice for Aviation - DOI-USGS-AVO-2023-09-25T11:25:07-08:00

Activity at Shishaldin Volcano has declined significantly. Seismicity decreased rapidly around 06:00 AKDT (14:00 UTC) and no significant ash emissions from the volcano are being observed in satellite data at this time. In response, AVO is lowering the Aviation Color Code to ORANGE and the Alert Level to WATCH. 

The ash cloud from this morning’s eruption detached from the volcano around 07:00 AKDT (15:00 UTC) and is drifting east-southeast at an altitude of 45,000 ft above sea level.  Ash emissions continued at a lower altitude of about 20,000–25,000 ft above sea level until about 08:20 AKDT (16:20 UTC). Small explosions are currently being detected in infrasound data and likely represent low-level eruptive activity near the vent area.

Trace to minor amounts of ashfall were reported by the communities of False Pass, King Cove, Cold Bay and Sand Point.  Ashfall occurred during rainfall in all four communities. No ashfall is expected from the current small explosions that are being detected in infrasound. Refer to the National Weather Service SIGMET for the drifting ash cloud (https://www.weather.gov/aawu/sigmets) and the Ashfall Advisory and Special Weather Statement for trace to minor amounts of ashfall on communities on the lower Alaska Peninsula and surrounding waters (https://www.weather.gov/afc/).

Based on previous eruption cycles, pyroclastic flows and mudflows are likely on the immediate flanks of the volcano.

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.