Eruptive activity at Pavlof Volcano has stopped. Seismicity has decreased to background levels, and no explosions have been detected since December 11, 2022. Weakly elevated surface temperatures and minor steaming from the recently active vent continue to be observed intermittently in satellite and web camera imagery, consistent with cooling of previously erupted lava. Due to the decrease in activity to background levels, we are lowering the Aviation Color Code to Green and the Volcano Alert Level to Normal.
Previous eruptions of Pavlof indicate that the level of unrest can change quickly and eruptive activity could resume with little or no warning. Pavlof is monitored by local seismic and infrasound sensors, satellite data, web cameras, and regional infrasound and lightning networks.
Pavlof Volcano is a snow- and ice-covered stratovolcano located on the southwestern end of the Alaska Peninsula about 953 km (592 mi) southwest of Anchorage. The volcano is about 7 km (4.4 mi) in diameter and has active vents on the north and east sides close to the summit. With over 40 historic eruptions, it is one of the most consistently active volcanoes in the Aleutian arc. Eruptive activity is generally characterized by sporadic Strombolian lava fountaining continuing for a several-month period. Ash plumes as high as 49,000 ft ASL have been generated by past eruptions of Pavlof, and during the March 2016 eruption, ash plumes as high as 40,000 feet above sea level were generated and the ash was tracked in satellite data as distant as eastern Canada. The nearest community, Cold Bay, is located 60 km (37 miles) to the southwest of Pavlof.
Michelle Coombs, Scientist-in-Charge, USGS mcoombs@usgs.gov (907) 786-7497
David Fee, Coordinating Scientist, UAFGI dfee1@alaska.edu (907) 378-5460
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.
| (1) VOLCANO OBSERVATORY NOTICE FOR AVIATION (VONA) | |
| (2) Issued: | (20230119/2051Z) |
| (3) Volcano: | Pavlof (VNUM #312030) |
| (4) Current Color Code: | GREEN |
| (5) Previous Color Code: | YELLOW |
| (6) Source: | Alaska Volcano Observatory |
| (7) Notice Number: | 2023/A84 |
| (8) Volcano Location: | N 55 deg 25 min W 161 deg 53 min |
| (9) Area: | Alaska Peninsula |
| (10) Summit Elevation: | 8261 ft (2518 m) |
| (11) Volcanic Activity Summary: |
Eruptive activity at Pavlof Volcano has stopped. Seismicity has decreased to background levels, and no explosions have been detected since December 11, 2022. Weakly elevated surface temperatures and minor steaming from the recently active vent continue to be observed intermittently in satellite and web camera imagery, consistent with cooling of previously erupted lava. Due to the decrease in activity to background levels, we are lowering the Aviation Color Code to Green and the Volcano Alert Level to Normal. Previous eruptions of Pavlof indicate that the level of unrest can change quickly and eruptive activity could resume with little or no warning. Pavlof is monitored by local seismic and infrasound sensors, satellite data, web cameras, and regional infrasound and lightning networks. |
| (12) Volcanic cloud height: | None |
| (13) Other volcanic cloud information: | None |
| (14) Remarks: | Pavlof Volcano is a snow- and ice-covered stratovolcano located on the southwestern end of the Alaska Peninsula about 953 km (592 mi) southwest of Anchorage. The volcano is about 7 km (4.4 mi) in diameter and has active vents on the north and east sides close to the summit. With over 40 historic eruptions, it is one of the most consistently active volcanoes in the Aleutian arc. Eruptive activity is generally characterized by sporadic Strombolian lava fountaining continuing for a several-month period. Ash plumes as high as 49,000 ft ASL have been generated by past eruptions of Pavlof, and during the March 2016 eruption, ash plumes as high as 40,000 feet above sea level were generated and the ash was tracked in satellite data as distant as eastern Canada. The nearest community, Cold Bay, is located 60 km (37 miles) to the southwest of Pavlof. |
| (15) Contacts: | Michelle Coombs, Scientist-in-Charge, USGS mcoombs@usgs.gov (907) 786-7497 David Fee, Coordinating Scientist, UAFGI dfee1@alaska.edu (907) 378-5460 |
| (16) Next Notice: | |