USGS Volcano Notice - DOI-USGS-AVO-2022-09-18T10:59:22-08:00

Seismicity remains elevated at Semisopochnoi with intermittent tremor. No explosions were detected. Clouds obscured satellite and web camera images.

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 (3 km) above sea level have characterized the recent activity. Small explosions and associated ash emissions could resume and may be difficult to detect during periods of high winds and/or when thick cloud cover obscures the volcano. Ash emissions over the past several years of activity have typically reached altitudes of less than 10,000 ft (3 km) above mean sea level. 

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

Low-level eruption of lava likely continues at Great Sitkin. Clear satellite images indicated elevated surface temperatures associated with an eruption of lava at the summit. A temporary data outage is affecting the local seismic network and webcams, but no significant activity was observed on regional geophysical networks.

The terrain is steep near the terminus of the current eruption's lava flows, and blocks of lava could detach without warning and form small rock avalanches in these valleys. These avalanches may liberate ash and gas and could travel several hundred meters beyond the lava flows; they would be hazardous to anyone in those areas.  

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

Pavlof Volcano continues to erupt from the vent on the volcano’s east flank just below the summit. Continued seismic tremor was detected in local seismic data. Clear satellite images over the past day showed elevated surface temperatures reflecting continued low-level eruption of lava. No activity was observed in a few clear webcam images.

Small explosions associated with the current eruption could happen at any time and may be accompanied by small ash plumes within the immediate vicinity of the volcano. 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 regional infrasound and lightning networks.

Unrest continues at Cleveland. The two seismic and infrasound stations on Chuginadak Island are temporarily offline due to maintenance work.  No explosive activity was detected on regional networks. Satellite images were obscured by clouds but webcam images showed a persistent steam plume from the summit.

Episodes of lava effusion and explosions can occur without advance warning. Explosions from Cleveland are normally short duration and only present a hazard to aviation in the immediate vicinity of the volcano. Larger explosions that present a more widespread hazard to aviation are possible but are less likely and occur less frequently.

When operational, Cleveland volcano is monitored by only two seismic stations, which restricts AVO's ability to precisely locate earthquakes and detect precursory unrest that may lead to an explosive eruption. Rapid detection of an ash-producing eruption may be possible using a combination of seismic, infrasound, lightning, and satellite data.