Volcanic unrest at Kanaga Volcano has subsided over the past several weeks and the Aviation Color Code is being decreased to GREEN and the Volcano Alert Level to NORMAL. Seismicity, which was elevated following a small explosion and ground-cracking event on December 18, 2023, has decreased to background levels. Satellite data show that there have been no recent surface changes, elevated temperatures, or gas emissions. When atmospheric conditions are favorable, web camera and satellite data show intermittent steaming from the crack near the summit crater.
Local seismic and infrasound sensors and web cameras are used to monitor Kanaga. AVO also uses regional infrasound and lightning networks and a variety of satellite data.
Kanaga Volcano occupies the northern corner of Kanaga Island, one of the most southerly members of the central Aleutian chain. It is a symmetric composite cone 4288 ft (1307 m) high and 3 miles (4.8 km) in diameter at sea level, built of interbedded basaltic and andesitic lava flows, scoria layers, and pyroclastic rocks. Kanaga Volcano’s last significant eruption was in 1994–1995. At least two significant ash plumes were recorded over the course of this eruption: the first, to ~25,000 ft (7.5 km), occurred on February 21, 1995 and the second on August 18, 1995, when an eruption cloud reached ~15,000 ft. (4.5 km). A light dusting of ash fell on the community of Adak and air traffic was disrupted due to continuing low-level activity and cloudy conditions which prevented visual approaches to the Adak airfield.
Hannah Dietterich, Acting Scientist-in-Charge, USGS hdietterich@usgs.gov (907) 786-7497
David Fee, Coordinating Scientist, UAFGI dfee1@alaska.edu (907) 378-5460
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.
| (1) VOLCANO OBSERVATORY NOTICE FOR AVIATION (VONA) | |
| (2) Issued: | (20240227/2010Z) |
| (3) Volcano: | Kanaga (VNUM #311110) |
| (4) Current Color Code: | GREEN |
| (5) Previous Color Code: | YELLOW |
| (6) Source: | Alaska Volcano Observatory |
| (7) Notice Number: | 2024/A217 |
| (8) Volcano Location: | N 51 deg 55 min W 177 deg 9 min |
| (9) Area: | Aleutians |
| (10) Summit Elevation: | 4288 ft (1307 m) |
| (11) Volcanic Activity Summary: |
Volcanic unrest at Kanaga Volcano has subsided over the past several weeks and the Aviation Color Code is being decreased to GREEN and the Volcano Alert Level to NORMAL. Seismicity, which was elevated following a small explosion and ground-cracking event on December 18, 2023, has decreased to background levels. Satellite data show that there have been no recent surface changes, elevated temperatures, or gas emissions. When atmospheric conditions are favorable, web camera and satellite data show intermittent steaming from the crack near the summit crater. Local seismic and infrasound sensors and web cameras are used to monitor Kanaga. AVO also uses regional infrasound and lightning networks and a variety of satellite data. |
| (12) Volcanic cloud height: | None |
| (13) Other volcanic cloud information: | Unknown |
| (14) Remarks: | Kanaga Volcano occupies the northern corner of Kanaga Island, one of the most southerly members of the central Aleutian chain. It is a symmetric composite cone 4288 ft (1307 m) high and 3 miles (4.8 km) in diameter at sea level, built of interbedded basaltic and andesitic lava flows, scoria layers, and pyroclastic rocks. Kanaga Volcano’s last significant eruption was in 1994–1995. At least two significant ash plumes were recorded over the course of this eruption: the first, to ~25,000 ft (7.5 km), occurred on February 21, 1995 and the second on August 18, 1995, when an eruption cloud reached ~15,000 ft. (4.5 km). A light dusting of ash fell on the community of Adak and air traffic was disrupted due to continuing low-level activity and cloudy conditions which prevented visual approaches to the Adak airfield. |
| (15) Contacts: | Hannah Dietterich, Acting Scientist-in-Charge, USGS hdietterich@usgs.gov (907) 786-7497 David Fee, Coordinating Scientist, UAFGI dfee1@alaska.edu (907) 378-5460
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| (16) 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 |