USGS Volcano Notice - DOI-USGS-AVO-2021-12-20T11:10:19-09:00

ALASKA VOLCANO OBSERVATORY DAILY UPDATE
U.S. Geological Survey
Monday, December 20, 2021, 12:56 PM AKST (Monday, December 20, 2021, 21:56 UTC)

GREAT SITKIN VOLCANO (VNUM #311120)
52°4'35" N 176°6'39" W, Summit Elevation 5709 ft (1740 m)
Current Volcano Alert Level: WATCH
Current Aviation Color Code: ORANGE

Seismicity is low but remains above background levels. Weakly elevated surface temperatures were observed in satellite data. It remains possible that explosive activity could occur with little or no warning.

Great Sitkin is monitored by local seismic and infrasound sensors, satellite data, web cameras, and remote infrasound and lightning networks.


PAVLOF VOLCANO (VNUM #312030)
55°25'2" N 161°53'37" W, Summit Elevation 8261 ft (2518 m)
Current Volcano Alert Level: WATCH
Current Aviation Color Code: ORANGE

Low-level eruption likely continues at Pavlof Volcano. Seismicity remained elevated with several small explosions observed over the past day. Elevated surface temperatures consistent with lava effusion were observed in satellite imagery when weather conditions allowed.

Small explosions accompanied by low-level ash emissions could happen at any time, and are typically a hazard in the immediate vicinity of the summit. The level of unrest at Pavlof can change quickly and the progression to more significant eruptive activity can occur with little or no warning.

Pavlof is monitored by local seismic and infrasound sensors, satellite data, web cameras, and remote infrasound and lightning networks.


SEMISOPOCHNOI VOLCANO (VNUM #311060)
51°55'44" N 179°35'52" E, Summit Elevation 2625 ft (800 m)
Current Volcano Alert Level: WATCH
Current Aviation Color Code: ORANGE

Low-level eruptive activity and elevated seismicity continue at Semisopochnoi volcano. Small explosions from the north crater of Mount Cerberus were recorded by seismic and infrasound sensors. Elevated surface temperatures were observed at the north crater in multiple clear satellite views from last night. Low-level ash emissions extending to the northeast are observed in partly cloudy satellite views throughout yesterday and last night. This morning winds shifted and slackened, with very low-level ash headed a bit more south.

Small eruptions producing minor ash deposits within the vicinity of the active north crater of Mount Cerberus and ash clouds usually under 10,000 ft above sea level have characterized the recent activity. Small explosions and associated ash emissions may continue and could be difficult to detect, especially when thick cloud cover obscures the volcano.

Semisopochnoi is monitored by local seismic and infrasound sensors, satellite data, web cameras, and remote infrasound and lightning networks.


DAVIDOF VOLCANO (VNUM #311040)
51°57'15" N 178°19'34" E, Summit Elevation 1076 ft (328 m)
Current Volcano Alert Level: ADVISORY
Current Aviation Color Code: YELLOW

The seismic swarm near Davidof volcano has waned, with a only few small earthquakes detected in the past 24 hours. No volcanic activity was observed in cloudy satellite views.

There is no real-time seismic monitoring network at Davidof volcano. The closest seismometers are approximately 15 km to the east of the volcano on Little Sitkin Island. Davidof is also monitored by satellite data and remote infrasound and lightning networks.

OTHER ALASKA VOLCANOES

Information on all Alaska volcanoes is available at: http://www.avo.alaska.edu.

For definitions of Aviation Color Codes and Volcano Alert Levels, see: http://www.avo.alaska.edu/color_codes.php

SUBSCRIBE TO VOLCANO ALERT MESSAGES by email: http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/vns/

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CONTACT INFORMATION:

Michelle Coombs, Scientist-in-Charge, USGS, mcoombs@usgs.gov (907) 786-7497

Pavel Izbekov, Acting Coordinating Scientist, UAFGI, peizbekov@alaska.edu (907) 322-4085

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.