USGS Volcano Notice - DOI-USGS-AVO-2023-10-03T09:00:39-08:00

AVO/USGS Volcanic Activity Notice

Volcano: Shishaldin (VNUM #311360)

Current Volcano Alert Level: WARNING
Current Aviation Color Code: RED

Issued: Tuesday, October 3, 2023, 9:31 AM AKDT
Source: Alaska Volcano Observatory
Notice Number: 2023/A1462
Location: N 54 deg 45 min W 163 deg 58 min
Elevation: 9373 ft (2857 m)
Area: Aleutians

Volcanic Activity Summary:

Ash emissions from Shishaldin Volcano continue since starting this morning at 5:50 AKDT (13:50 UTC), but at a lower level of 20,000 to 25,000 ft asl after an initial height of ~40,000 ft asl. Seismicity and infrasound have diminished but are still above background.

The Aviation Color Code remains at RED and the Volcano Alert Level at WARNING. The National Weather Service has issued a SIGMET for this ash cloud, and a Special Weather Statement has been issued for possible ashfall on Unimak Island and the lower Alaska Peninsula, including False Pass, Cold Bay, and Sand Point.

Based on previous eruption cycles, significant ash emissions may continue for a few more hours. Pyroclastic 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.

Recent Observations:
[Volcanic cloud height] 25,000 ft asl
[Other volcanic cloud information] Unknown

Hazard Analysis:
[Pyroclastic flow] likely on the immediate flanks of the volcano
[Mud flow] likely on the immediate flanks of the volcano

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.

Contacts:

Matt Haney, Scientist-in-Charge, USGS mhaney@usgs.gov (907) 786-7497

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

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.

(1) VOLCANO OBSERVATORY NOTICE FOR AVIATION (VONA)
(2) Issued:	(20231003/1731Z)
(3) Volcano:	Shishaldin (VNUM #311360)
(4) Current Color Code:	RED
(5) Previous Color Code:	RED
(6) Source:	Alaska Volcano Observatory
(7) Notice Number:	2023/A1462
(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:	Ash emissions from Shishaldin Volcano continue since starting this morning at 5:50 AKDT (13:50 UTC), but at a lower level of 20,000 to 25,000 ft asl after an initial height of ~40,000 ft asl. Seismicity and infrasound have diminished but are still above background. The Aviation Color Code remains at RED and the Volcano Alert Level at WARNING. The National Weather Service has issued a SIGMET for this ash cloud, and a Special Weather Statement has been issued for possible ashfall on Unimak Island and the lower Alaska Peninsula, including False Pass, Cold Bay, and Sand Point. Based on previous eruption cycles, significant ash emissions may continue for a few more hours. Pyroclastic 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.
(12) Volcanic cloud height:	25,000 ft asl
(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 Haney, Scientist-in-Charge, USGS mhaney@usgs.gov (907) 786-7497 David Fee, Coordinating Scientist, UAFGI dfee1@alaska.edu (907) 378-5460
(16) Next Notice: