USGS has raised the current volcano alert level to WARNING and the current aviation code to RED at the Shishaldin Volcano in Alaska

USGS Raises Volcano Alert to RED / WARNING

Weatherboy Team Meteorologist

The USGS has raised the current volcano alert level to WARNING and the current aviation code to RED at  the Shishaldin Volcano in Alaska, where trans-Pacific flights could be at risk from hazards of dangerous volcanic ash.

According to the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) with USGS, an ash cloud from Shishaldin Volcano reaching 25,000′ above sea level and rising was reported by a pilot at at 8:42 am AKDT.  Satellite data suggests that the cloud may be as high as 30,000 ft above sea level. The cloud is visible in satellite data moving towards the southeast and lightning associated with the ash cloud has been detected.

“Based on previous eruption cycles, significant ash emissions are likely to continue for several hours. Pyroclastic and mudflows are likely on the immediate flanks of the volcano,” the AVO warns.

Shishaldin Volcano is monitored by local seismic and infrasound sensors, web cameras, and a telemetered geodetic network.  In addition to the local monitoring network, AVO uses nearby geophysical networks, regional infrasound and lighting data, and satellite images to detect eruptions.

Volcanic ash can create problems on the ground and in the sky.  Volcanic ash can create significant harm to jet engines that fly through them or boat and automobile engines that ingest air-filled air. Volcanic ash is hard and abrasive, and can quickly cause significant wear to various airplane parts such as propellers, turbo-compressor blades, and even cockpit windows. Because volcanic ash particles have a low melting point, it can melt in the combustion chamber of a jet engine, creating a ceramic or glass-like glaze that then sticks to turbine blades, fuel nozzles, and combustors. A jet engine that ingests just a small amount of ash could suffer from total engine failure.  Overheating and engine failure is also possible in cars and trucks since volcanic ash can infiltrate nearly every opening in a vehicle. Ash is also very abrasive; ash caught between windshields and wiper blades will scratch and permanently mark the windshield glass, and windows are susceptible to scratching each time they are raised, lowered, and cleaned.