Volcanic Ash Cloud from Shishaldin Volcano in Alaska Extends to 28,000 Feet

Explosive eruption at Alaska's Shishaldin Volcano sends ash cloud to nearly 28,000 feet

An explosive eruption at Alaska's Shishaldin Volcano on Friday sent an ash cloud to at least 28,000 feet in the sky, the Alaska Volcano Observatory reported. The eruption began at around 10:30 a.m. local time and lasted for about an hour.

The volcano is located on Unimak Island, about 900 miles southwest of Anchorage. It is one of the most active volcanoes in the Aleutian Islands.

The eruption caused ashfall on Unimak Island and the surrounding area. The ash cloud also drifted to the southwest, reaching as far as Kodiak Island.
   

Shishaldin Volcano

The Alaska Volcano Observatory has raised the Aviation Color Code to red, which means that there is a significant ash cloud that could interfere with aircraft operations. The Volcano Alert Level is also at warning, which means that an eruption is ongoing and could pose a threat to life and property.

The observatory is advising people to avoid the area around the volcano and to wear protective gear if they must be in the area. They are also advising pilots to avoid flying through the ash cloud.

The Shishaldin Volcano has erupted several times in recent years. In 2019, an eruption sent an ash cloud to 50,000 feet.

The volcano is located in a remote area and there are no immediate reports of injuries or damage. However, the eruption is a reminder of the dangers of volcanoes, even those that are not well-known.
  

A sample of lapilli, a type of volcanic tephra, collected from Shishaldin Volcano this week. Photo by: Alaska AVO

The lapilli are rough, black, shiny in places, and scaoriaceous, a term meaning air bubbles have left behind a holey texture.