AVO/USGS Volcanic Activity Notice

Volcano: Cleveland (VNUM #311240)

Current Volcano Alert Level: WATCH
Previous Volcano Alert Level: ADVISORY

Current Aviation Color Code: ORANGE
Previous Aviation Color Code: YELLOW

Issued: Thursday, January 17, 2019, 11:25 AM AKST
Source: Alaska Volcano Observatory
Notice Number: 2019/A53
Location: N 52 deg 49 min W 169 deg 56 min
Elevation: 5676 ft (1730 m)
Area: Aleutians

Volcanic Activity Summary: Satellite data show that starting around 12 January, a new and growing lava dome is present in Cleveland's summit crater. Thus, AVO is raising the Aviation Color Code to ORANGE and the Volcano Alert Level to WATCH.

The presence of the lava dome may increase the likelihood of explosive activity at the volcano. Explosions at Cleveland usually occur without warning and typically produce relatively small volcanic ash clouds that dissipate within hours; however, more significant ash emissions are possible.

Recent Observations:
[Volcanic cloud height] None
[Other volcanic cloud information] n/a
[Lava flow/dome] new dome observed

Remarks: Cleveland volcano is monitored by only one seismic station, which restricts AVO's ability to detect precursory unrest that may lead to an explosive eruption. Rapid detection of an ash-producing eruption may be possible using a combination of seismic, infrasound, lightning, and satellite data.

Contacts: Michelle Coombs, Scientist-in-Charge, USGS
mcoombs@usgs.gov (907) 786-7497

Pavel Izbekov, Acting Coordinating Scientist, UAFGI
peizbekov@alaska.edu (907) 322-4085

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.