USGS Volcano Notice - DOI-USGS-AVO-2024-12-29T19:35:06+00:00

Lava continues to erupt slowly at Great Sitkin, and small earthquakes associated with this ongoing eruption continue at a low rate. Elevated surface temperatures from the lava flow were observed in satellite data over the past day, which is typical for this eruption. 

The current eruption of Great Sitkin Volcano began with a single explosive event in May 2021. The ongoing eruption of lava at the summit began shortly afterward, in July 2021. The volcano is monitored using local seismic and infrasound sensors, satellite data and web cameras, and regional infrasound and lightning networks.

Shallow earthquake activity near the summit of Mount Spurr continues at an elevated rate, but lower than yesterday. Variation in the numbers of earthquakes is common during periods of unrest at volcanoes. Web camera images from yesterday showed minor steaming near the summit, but this is not unusual. Satellite images from the past day showed no signs of other activity at the surface.

AVO continues to closely monitor activity at Mount Spurr for signals that would indicate that the volcano is moving closer to an eruption. Based on previous eruptions, changes from current activity in the earthquakes, ground deformation, summit lake, and fumaroles would be expected if magma began to move closer to the surface. Therefore, it is very likely that if an eruption were to occur it would be preceded by additional signals that would allow advance warning.

The volcano is monitored using local seismic, infrasound, web camera, and GNSS stations along with regional infrasound, lightning networks and satellite data.