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Pavlov volcanic eruption on the Alaska Peninsula downgraded to Orange

Mark Beals

The Pavlov volcanic eruption has been downgraded from Red Alert to Orange Watch status.

From the Alaska Volcano Observatory:

The eruption of Pavlof Volcano that began yesterday afternoon [Sunday, March 27, 2016] continues. Seismic tremor remains at levels above background, but is significantly lower than the highest levels observed during the eruption. The latest web camera views show a sustained ash plume emanating from the volcano.

According to satellite data, ash emissions continue through 12:30 pm AKDT (20:30 UTC) and an ash plume extends over a distance of more than 400 miles (650 km) to the northeast over interior Alaska. Strongly elevated surface temperatures suggest lava flows at the surface. SIGMET warning messages issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) Alaska Aviation Weather Unit indicate maximum ash cloud altitude of 37,000 ft above sea level. Please see the NWS web page for additional guidance and forecasts of ash movement.

Lava fountaining from the summit crater was observed throughout the night by mariners, pilots, and by residents in Cold Bay, located 37 miles (60 km) to the SW. Volcanic mudflows are likely on the flanks of the volcano and could present a hazard in the local river valleys.