• Veniaminof Current Activity
• General Description
• File Photographs
• Past Activity
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Maps, Images and Figures:

Location Map (Click to view full-size image)

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	Current image from the Veniaminof webcam. Click to open a new window, image is refreshed every 5 minutes.
	View the Last 24 hours of Mt. Veniaminof seismic data.

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Images from the Mt. Veniaminof overflight, January 11, 2005
Photographs taken by Dave Schneider, USGS
Click on a picture to view the full-size image.

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Images from January 7th, 2005.
Courtesy of: Ryan Hazen and Chris Dahl, PenAir
Click on a picture to view the full-size image.

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7.5 MB PDF of the Quaternary Geologic map of Chignik and Sutwik Island quadrangles. Detterman, R. L., Miller, T. P., Yount, M. E., and Wilson, F. H., 1981, Quaternary geologic map of the Chignik and Sutwik Island quadrangles, Alaska: U.S. Geological Survey Miscellaneous Investigations Series Map I 1292, unpaged, 1 sheet, scale 1:250,000.

Pertinent portions of past information releases are below. Full archive copies of all reports can be found in the Updates section of this site.

• Tuesday, January 4, 2005 2:00 PM AST
  • Current Level of Concern Color Code: YELLOW
    Previous Level of Concern Color Code: GREEN

    Several small ash emissions have been observed coming from the intracaldera cone of Mount Veniaminof in recent internet camera images from Perryville. This activity is above what we consider to be normal background. Thus the color code for Mount Veniaminof has been upgraded to YELLOW.

    Ash emission were visible starting around 9:38 AST (18:38 UTC), but could have been obscured by clouds in previous images. The discrete ash emissions are small, rising several hundred feet above the cone which has an elevation of 7,073 ft (2,156 m) above sea level, and dissipating as they drift towards the east. Ash fall is likely very minor, and confined to the summit caldera.

    Very weak seismic tremor was observed starting on January 1, and has increased slightly over the past 2 days. The character of the signal changed to that of numerous discrete events this morning, with events occurring about once per minute with durations of about 10-20 seconds. These seismic signals are similar to those recorded during steam emissions and ash emissions from April to October, 2004. However, there are no indications from seismic data that events significantly larger than those observed are imminent. We expect that steam and ash emissions may continue intermittently and could pose a hazard to people and low-flying aircraft in the vicinity of the active cone.

• Friday, January 7, 2005 12:30 PM AST
  • Current Level of Concern Color Code: YELLOW

    The Level of Concern Color Code for Mount Veniaminof Volcano was upgraded from GREEN to YELLOW on Tuesday, January 4. Small steam and ash emissions, several approaching 3600 m (12,000 ft) above sea level, continue to be seen in web camera images. A weak thermal anomaly was detected in AVHRR satellite data collected at 6:46PM AST (0346 UTC) but not in any subsequent images. Perryville residents observed incandescence at the active crater Thursday night sometime between 8:00 PM and 9:00 PM AST (0500 and 0600 UTC). Low-level strombolian activity that ejects blocks of hot rock and lava could occur with little warning. Activity would be confined to the caldera.

    Weak seismic tremor was observed starting on January 1 and has increased during the past week. Amplitude and occurrence rate of volcanic tremor and discrete volcanic earthquakes have increased again in the past 24 hours to a level last observed during May-June 2004. We expect that steam and ash emissions will continue intermittently and could pose a hazard to people and low-flying aircraft in the vicinity of the active cone.

    AVO is increasing its surveillance of Mount Veniaminof, but the volcano remains at color code YELLOW.

• Monday, January 10, 2005 2:30 PM AST
  • Current Level of Concern Color Code: ORANGE
    Previous Level of Concern Color Code: YELLOW

    Ash emissions from the intracaldera cone of Mount Veniaminof, some reaching nearly 13,000 ft (3692 m) above sea level, have occurred more or less continuously over the last 48 hours. Seismicity remains at elevated levels and satellite images show a persistent thermal anomaly in the vicinity of the cone. Given these observations, the Alaska Volcano Observatory cannot rule out the possibility of a larger eruption occurring at any time, though past activity at Veniaminof suggests that ash clouds exceeding 25,000 feet (7620 m) above sea level are unlikely. Thus the color code for Mount Veniaminof has been upgraded to ORANGE.

    Ash emissions began on January 3, 2005 with discrete, relatively minor outbursts, rising a few hundred feet above the cone. This activity has evolved into nearly continuous emission, with ash clouds almost 13,000 ft above sea level and ash fall reaching outside the caldera boundary.

    Very weak volcanic tremor was observed starting on January 1, 2005. Since then, the magnitude of the volcanic tremor has increased significantly and there have been frequent (> 1 per minute) small volcanic earthquakes. As of this writing, seismic activity is nearly continuous; the frequency of seismic events exceeds that recorded during steam emissions and ash emissions from April to October, 2004, however the overall amplitude remains about the same. We expect that steam and ash emissions may continue and could pose a hazard to people and low- to medium-flying aircraft in the vicinity of the active cone.

• Friday, January 14, 2005 1:00 PM AST
  • Current Level of Concern Color Code: ORANGE
    Previous Level of Concern Color Code: YELLOW

    The Level of Concern Color Code for Mount Veniaminof Volcano was upgraded from YELLOW to ORANGE on Monday, January 10. At that time, web camera views showed that small ash emissions from the intracaldera cone of Mount Veniaminof, some reaching nearly 13,000 ft (3692 m) above sea level, had occurred more or less continuously over the previous 48 hours. Since then, activity appears to have declined significantly, though web camera views have often been obscured by clouds.

    Beginning on Saturday, January 8, satellite images showed a heat anomaly in the vicinity of Veniaminof's summit. The most recent satellite image, taken today, shows that the heat anomaly persists, though the intensity may be less than earlier in the week.

    Very weak volcanic tremor was observed starting on January 1, 2005. Over the next week, the magnitude of the volcanic tremor increased significantly and there have been frequent small volcanic earthquakes. As of this writing, seismic activity appears to have peaked on Sunday or Monday, though activity still remains significantly higher than normal with occasional bursts of volcanic tremor. The maximum amplitude of the seismicity so far has slightly exceeded that observed during the previous phase on unrest, which ended in September 2004.

    On overflight of the volcano on Tuesday January 11, showed no evidence of lava flows, large ballistics from the cone, or substantial glacial melting.

    Low-level strombolian activity that ejects blocks of hot rock and lava could occur with little or no warning, though the ejecta would stay within the summit caldera. We expect that steam and ash emissions may continue and could pose a hazard to people and low-flying aircraft in the vicinity of the active cone. Light ash falls outside of the summit caldera are possible.

• Friday, January 21, 2005 1:00 PM AST
  • Current Level of Concern Color Code: ORANGE

    The Level of Concern Color Code for Mount Veniaminof Volcano remains ORANGE. Over the past week, seismic data, web camera views, and satellite images all indicate that low-level ash emissions at the volcano continue. Seismicity this week is similar to what was observed the previous week, consisting of low-amplitude volcanic tremor with occasional larger bursts. When weather permitted, satellite imagery showed anomalous heat at the summit cone, consistent with hot blocks and ash being ejected from the active vent, and the web camera showed intermittent ash plumes reaching as high as 10,000 ft (3,000 m) above sea level. Occasional stronger bursts of seismic tremor over the past 24 hours may indicate plumes to higher levels but not above 13,000 ft (4,000 m).

    Mount Veniaminof has been at ORANGE since January 10, 2005. Very weak volcanic tremor was first observed on January 1 and it significantly increased in magnitude over the next week. Beginning on January 8 satellite images showed a heat anomaly in the vicinity of Veniaminof's summit. Web camera views showed that small ash emissions from the intracaldera cone of Mount Veniaminof, some reaching nearly 13,000 ft (4,000 m) above sea level, were occurring more or less continuously from January 8-10. The maximum amplitude of the seismicity so far during this period has slightly exceeded that observed during the previous phase of unrest, which ended in September 2004. An overflight of the volcano on January 11 showed no evidence of lava flows or substantial glacial melting.

    Low-level strombolian activity that ejects blocks of hot rock and lava could occur with little or no warning, though the ejecta would stay within the summit caldera. We expect steam and ash emissions to continue and could pose a hazard to people and low-flying aircraft in the vicinity of the active cone. Light ash falls outside of the summit caldera are possible.

• Friday, January 28, 2005 2:00 PM AST
  • Current Level of Concern Color Code: ORANGE

    The Level of Concern Color Code for Mount Veniaminof Volcano remains ORANGE. Over the past week, seismic data, web camera views, and satellite images all indicate that low-level ash emissions at the volcano continue. Seismicity this week is similar to what was observed the previous week, consisting of low-amplitude volcanic tremor with occasional larger bursts. When weather permitted, satellite imagery showed anomalous heat at the summit cone, consistent with hot blocks and ash being ejected from the active vent, and the web camera showed intermittent ash plumes reaching as high as 10,000 ft (3,000 m) above sea level. Occasional stronger bursts of seismic tremor over the past 24 hours may indicate plumes to higher levels but not above 13,000 ft (4,000 m).

    Mount Veniaminof has been at ORANGE since January 10, 2005. Very weak volcanic tremor was first observed on January 1 and it significantly increased in magnitude over the next week. Beginning on January 8 satellite images showed a heat anomaly in the vicinity of Veniaminof's summit. Web camera views showed that small ash emissions from the intracaldera cone of Mount Veniaminof, some reaching nearly 13,000 ft (4,000 m) above sea level, were occurring more or less continuously from January 8-10. The maximum amplitude of the seismicity so far during this period has slightly exceeded that observed during the previous phase of unrest, which ended in September 2004. An overflight of the volcano on January 11 showed no evidence of lava flows or substantial glacial melting.

    Low-level strombolian activity that ejects blocks of hot rock and lava could occur with little or no warning, though the ejecta would stay within the summit caldera. We expect steam and ash emissions to continue and could pose a hazard to people and low-flying aircraft in the vicinity of the active cone. Light ash falls outside of the summit caldera are possible.

• Friday, February 4, 2005 12:00 PM AST
  • Current Level of Concern Color Code: ORANGE

    Last night, strombolian activity, or ejection of hot blocks and lava, was clearly visible to residents of Perryville, 30 km (22 miles) from the volcano. The eruption was also visible in web camera views and seen by satellite as an increase in surface heat. After a decrease in seismic activity through the early morning, seismicity has picked up and is again at a level similar to last night, suggesting that strombolian activity is continuing; however, clouds currently block views of the volcano. We still do not expect that this current activity will put ash into the air above 13,000 ft (4,000 m) above sea level. The Level of Concern Color Code for Mount Veniaminof Volcano remains ORANGE.

    Prior to last night, seismicity this week was similar to what was observed the previous week, consisting of low-amplitude volcanic tremor with occasional larger bursts. When weather permitted, satellite imagery showed anomalous heat at the summit cone, consistent with hot blocks and ash being ejected from the active vent, and the web camera showed intermittent ash plumes reaching as high as 10,000 ft (3,000 m) above sea level.

    Mount Veniaminof has been at ORANGE since January 10, 2005. Very weak volcanic tremor was first observed on January 1 and it significantly increased in magnitude over the next week. Beginning on January 8 satellite images showed a heat anomaly in the vicinity of Veniaminof's summit. Web camera views showed that small ash emissions from the intracaldera cone of Mount Veniaminof, some reaching nearly 13,000 ft (4,000 m) above sea level, were occurring more or less continuously from January 8-10. The maximum amplitude of the seismicity so far during this period has slightly exceeded that observed during the previous phase of unrest, which ended in September 2004. An overflight of the volcano on January 11 showed no evidence of lava flows or substantial glacial melting.

    Low-level strombolian activity that ejects blocks of hot rock and lava could occur with little or no warning, though the ejecta would stay within the summit caldera. We expect steam and ash emissions to continue and could pose a hazard to people and low-flying aircraft in the vicinity of the active cone. Light ash falls outside of the summit caldera are possible.

• Friday, February 11, 2005 11:30 AM AST
  • Current Level of Concern Color Code: ORANGE

    Low-level strombolian eruptive activity continues at Veniaminof. During periods of clear viewing conditions on February 9, ash bursts rising a few thousand feet above the intracaldera cone were visible in web camera images. AVO received no further reports of visible incandescence, however cloudy conditions have prevailed much of the week. Satellite images continue to show a thermal anomaly in the vicinity of the intracaldera cone, consistent with the presence of hot material at the vent. The Level of Concern Color Code for Mount Veniaminof Volcano remains ORANGE.

    Seismicity has remained above background all week at Veniaminof. On Thursday morning, a distinct increase in the amplitude and frequency of events began and this trend continues today. This activity is consistent with more energetic explosions from the active cone, however there is no indication that these bursts are rising more than 13,000 feet above sea level.

    This type of eruption produces explosions of ash, blocks, and lava with little or no warning. These explosions could pose a hazard to people and low-flying aircraft in the vicinity of the active cone. We expect any ashfall to remain largely within the summit caldera, however light ash falls outside of the summit caldera are possible.

    As of yet, there is no sign that a lava flow has formed, although this could occur at any time based on previous historical eruptions at Veniaminof.

• Friday, February 18, 2005 1:30 AM AST
  • Current Level of Concern Color Code: ORANGE

    Mount Veniaminof has not been visible in web camera images all week due to cloudy conditions. The most recent unobscured satellite view on Saturday, February 12 showed a thermal anomaly in the vicinity of the intracaldera cone. Satellite views on February 15 showed a possible thermal anomaly through clouds. No ash emissions were observed above the cloud cover. However, it is likely that low-level strombolian eruptive activity continues at Veniaminof based on seismicity and available satellite data. The Level of Concern Color Code for Mount Veniaminof Volcano remains ORANGE.

    Seismicity has remained above background all week at Veniaminof. In the past week the character of seismicity has changed slightly, showing frequent periods of continuous banded volcanic tremor. However amplitudes of seismic activity have not increased. This activity is consistent with explosions from the active cone, however there is no indication that these bursts are rising more than 13,000 feet above sea level.

    This type of eruption produces explosions of ash, blocks, and lava with little or no warning. These explosions could pose a hazard to people and low-flying aircraft in the vicinity of the active cone. We expect any ashfall to remain largely within the summit caldera, however light ash falls outside of the summit caldera are possible.

    As of yet, there is no sign that a lava flow has formed, although this could occur at any time based on previous historical eruptions at Veniaminof.

• Friday, February 25, 2005 12:15 PM AST
  • Current Level of Concern Color Code: YELLOW
    Previous Level of Concern Color Code: ORANGE

    Seismic activity at Veniaminof Volcano has decreased substantially this week. Periods of volcanic tremor have diminished, and no discrete events associated with ash bursts have occurred for several days. Mount Veniaminof has been occasionally visible in web camera images throughout the week and only minor emissions of steam have been observed. Satellite views of the volcano have not been possible this week due to cloudy conditions. AVO has received no reports of ash emissions from pilots or observers on the ground. Given the decline of the seismicity it appears that the most recent episode of Strombolian eruptive activity has ended. The Level of Concern Color Code for Mount Veniaminof Volcano is thus being downgraded from orange to YELLOW.

    Because of its recent eruptive history, conditions at the volcano can change quickly and another episode of Strombolian activity may begin with little or no warning. Thus, explosions of ash and steam could resume and may pose a hazard to people and low-flying aircraft in the vicinity of the active cone.

• Friday, March 04, 2005 3:50 PM AST
  • Current Level of Concern Color Code: GREEN Previous Level of Concern Color Code: YELLOW

    Seismic activity at Veniaminof Volcano has been at background levels for over a week. Periods of volcanic tremor have ceased, and no discrete events associated with ash bursts have occurred. Mount Veniaminof has been occasionally visible in web camera and satellite images throughout the week and only minor emissions of steam have been observed. AVO has received no reports of ash emissions from pilots or observers on the ground. Given the decline of the seismicity it appears that the most recent episode of eruptive activity has ended. The Level of Concern Color Code for Mount Veniaminof Volcano is thus downgraded from yellow to GREEN.