Anyone slated to fly through Anchorage in the next few days or weeks (We are, in the first week of February), should be aware that nearby Redoubt volcano started rumbling today. If it pops, it will put an immediate stop to all flights in the vicinity. Current and forecast wind direction leads directly from the volcano to Anchorage.
The AVO (Alaska Volcano Observatory) alert page for Redoubt is here This is what the latest update on that page has to say:
Unrest at Redoubt Volcano continues. AVO conducted an overflight of the volcano this afternoon, and observations confirm that an eruption has not occurred. Increased steaming through previously observed sources in the snow and ice cover were seen and sulfur gas emissions were noted. There was no significant disruption of the glacial ice, nor any apparent increased water discharge down the Drift River.
Seismicity remains well above background levels. Beginning at 00:58 AST (9:58 UTC) this morning, nearly continuous volcanic tremor was recorded at stations near Redoubt's summit, prompting AVO to raise the Aviation Color Code to ORANGE and the Alert Level to WATCH at 02:09 AST (11:09 UTC). Seismicity began to decline at about 05:30 AST (14:30 UTC) this morning, but remains elevated as of this writing.
The current activity at Redoubt could be precursory to an eruption, perhaps within hours to days. A further increase in seismicity is expected to accompany an eruption. Staff are currently monitoring the volcano 24 hours a day.
AVO raised the Aviation Color Code to YELLOW and the Volcano Alert Level to ADVISORY on November 5, 2008, in response to increased emissions of SO2, H2S, and CO2; melting of snow and ice near the volcano’s summit; and a subtle increase in seismicity. These observations reflected a change in the volcano’s hydrothermal system, possibly associated with an influx of new magma beneath the volcano. It is also possible that the change was related to the development of a new pathway of heated fluids rising from magma intruded during the 1989-90 eruption.
If you're a science fan like me, you will enjoy tuning here to the seismograph right on the volcano.
Posted by Ed Cordes on January 26, 2009 at 10:02 AM
Hi Hank, Thanks for posting this. While it will cause many some potentially serious issues, it is kind of cool to observe nature and the evolution of our planet.
It certainly gives us pause to remember how unimportant we, as humans, are in the grand scheme of things.
Isn't that the truth. It's certainly a humbling experience for me to look over my shoulder once in a while!
I posted this mostly because this is the usual prime time for folks to travel to Homer for the eagles, and I thought some here at NPN might be doing it. Only thing I can say is stay loose on your travel plans, develop strategies for keeping volcanic ash out your cameras and laptops, and glance over your shoulder once in awhile. That rumble you hear is not be a passing train. There are no trains in Homer!
Posted by Larry Fischer on January 26, 2009 at 1:41 PM
Hank,
Thanks for the info. I think I've told you I've been to AK 9 times and always the information is appreciated. If things ever change for me, I'm considering living there for a while.
Considering also a trip up the Matthews R. in August. Crystal clear water and sheep photo opportunities if the ol' legs can stand it. My business will have to hold but the economy makes everything nebulous.
I'll review the sites.
Hope this does not quell part of you photo income....
Discussion
3 repliesThe AVO (Alaska Volcano Observatory) alert page for Redoubt is here This is what the latest update on that page has to say:
Unrest at Redoubt Volcano continues. AVO conducted an overflight of the volcano this afternoon, and observations confirm that an eruption has not occurred. Increased steaming through previously observed sources in the snow and ice cover were seen and sulfur gas emissions were noted. There was no significant disruption of the glacial ice, nor any apparent increased water discharge down the Drift River.
Seismicity remains well above background levels. Beginning at 00:58 AST (9:58 UTC) this morning, nearly continuous volcanic tremor was recorded at stations near Redoubt's summit, prompting AVO to raise the Aviation Color Code to ORANGE and the Alert Level to WATCH at 02:09 AST (11:09 UTC). Seismicity began to decline at about 05:30 AST (14:30 UTC) this morning, but remains elevated as of this writing.
The current activity at Redoubt could be precursory to an eruption, perhaps within hours to days. A further increase in seismicity is expected to accompany an eruption. Staff are currently monitoring the volcano 24 hours a day.
AVO raised the Aviation Color Code to YELLOW and the Volcano Alert Level to ADVISORY on November 5, 2008, in response to increased emissions of SO2, H2S, and CO2; melting of snow and ice near the volcano’s summit; and a subtle increase in seismicity. These observations reflected a change in the volcano’s hydrothermal system, possibly associated with an influx of new magma beneath the volcano. It is also possible that the change was related to the development of a new pathway of heated fluids rising from magma intruded during the 1989-90 eruption.
If you're a science fan like me, you will enjoy tuning here to the seismograph right on the volcano.
It certainly gives us pause to remember how unimportant we, as humans, are in the grand scheme of things.
I posted this mostly because this is the usual prime time for folks to travel to Homer for the eagles, and I thought some here at NPN might be doing it. Only thing I can say is stay loose on your travel plans, develop strategies for keeping volcanic ash out your cameras and laptops, and glance over your shoulder once in awhile. That rumble you hear is not be a passing train. There are no trains in Homer!
Thanks for the info. I think I've told you I've been to AK 9 times and always the information is appreciated. If things ever change for me, I'm considering living there for a while.
Considering also a trip up the Matthews R. in August. Crystal clear water and sheep photo opportunities if the ol' legs can stand it. My business will have to hold but the economy makes everything nebulous.
I'll review the sites.
Hope this does not quell part of you photo income....
the fisch