AVO/USGS Volcanic Activity Notice
Volcano: Semisopochnoi (VNUM #311060)
Current Volcano Alert Level: WATCH
Previous Volcano Alert Level: WARNING
Current Aviation Color Code: ORANGE
Previous Aviation Color Code: RED
Issued: Monday, September 20, 2021, 8:12 PM AKDT
Source: Alaska Volcano Observatory
Notice Number: 2021/A817
Location: N 51 deg 55 min E 179 deg 35 min
Elevation: 2625 ft (800 m)
Area: Aleutians
Volcanic Activity Summary: Ash emissions from the ongoing eruption at Semisopochnoi continue at a decreased rate. Over the last few hours, activity has consisted of discrete explosions that occur about once an hour and produce small ash clouds that rise to 10,000 to 15,000 feet above sea level and are currently drifting to the northwest. This represents less significant ash emissions and we are therefore lowering the Aviation Color Code and Volcano Alert Level to ORANGE/WATCH.
Activity at Semisopochnoi remains elevated and ash emissions could increase again at any time.
Please visit the NWS Alaska Aviation Weather Unit for current information about the volcanic ash cloud forecast. https://www.weather.gov/aawu/sigmets
Recent Observations:
[Volcanic cloud height] 10,000 to 15,000 ft. asl
[Other volcanic cloud information] Small ash clouds are drifting NW
[Lava flow/dome] none
[Lava flow] none
Remarks: Semisopochnoi is monitored by a local seismic and infrasound network, local web cameras, regional lightning and infrasound sensors, and satellite data.
Contacts: Michelle Coombs, Scientist-in-Charge, USGS
mcoombs@usgs.gov (907) 786-7497
David Fee, Coordinating Scientist, UAF
dfee1@alaska.edu (907) 322-4085
Next Notice: A new VAN will be issued if conditions change significantly or alert levels are modified. While a VAN is in effect, regularly scheduled updates are posted at http://www.avo.alaska.edu
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.
