USGS Volcano Notice - DOI-USGS-AVO-2024-12-30T20:45:58+00:00

Lava continues to erupt slowly at Great Sitkin. Small earthquakes related to the ongoing eruption continue at a low rate. A clear webcam view of the volcano from yesterday afternoon showed some bare rock at the actively growing lava dome. No activity was seen in satellite images.  

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.

Small, shallow earthquakes near the summit of Mount Spurr continue. The rate over the past day is similar to yesterday, and lower than the high rate from December 28. Variation in the numbers of earthquakes is common during periods of unrest at volcanoes. Satellite and webcam images from the past day showed no signs of unusual 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.