Alaska Volcano Observatory

The eruption of lava within the summit crater of Great Sitkin Volcano continues. Clouds obscured views of the volcano all week. Satellite radar data through April 30, 2024, showed continued advance of the lava flow toward the north and uplift of the lava flow surface above the vent. Seismic activity was low, with occasional small volcanic earthquakes. This level of seismicity is typical of the current eruption. 

The current prolonged period of lava eruption at Great Sitkin Volcano began in July 2021. No explosive events have occurred since a single event in May 2021.         

The volcano is monitored by local seismic, geodetic, and infrasound sensors and web cameras, as well as regional infrasound and lightning networks and satellite data.    

Low-level unrest continues at Shishaldin Volcano, with occasional small volcanic earthquakes and weak seismic tremor being observed throughout the week. No ash emissions, sulfur dioxide or new deposits were observed in satellite data. Weak steam emissions were observed occasionally in satellite images and daily in web camera images this week. No changes in the summit crater were observed in satellite data, but minor rock falls associated with collapse events from the unstable ground in and near the summit crater are possible. These events may generate very small clouds of fine-grained ash that dissipate quickly in the immediate vicinity of the summit.  

No significant eruptive activity has occurred since November 2023.   

Local seismic and infrasound sensors, web cameras, and a geodetic network are used to monitor Shishaldin Volcano. In addition to the local monitoring network, AVO uses nearby geophysical networks, regional infrasound and lighting data, and satellite images to monitor the volcano.