Posted on 01/25/2009 9:45:35 AM PST by dan_s
Over the past 48 hours, seismic activity at Redoubt Volcano has increased markedly. This has taken the form of periodic tremor bursts that are most visible on the two seismic stations closest to the summit. Beginning at 00:58 AKT (9:58 UTC) this morning, tremor became sustained and its amplitude increased markedly. AVO raised the Aviation Color Code to ORANGE and the Alert Level to WATCH this morning at 2:09 AKT (11:09 UTC).
This activity could be precursory to an eruption, perhaps within hours to days. A further increase in seismicity is expected to accompany an eruption. There is no indication that the volcano is currently erupting.
At this time, clouds obscure the volcano in satellite views, but NEXRAD weather radar data show no signs eruptive activity. AVO has received no recent observer reports. 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 volcanos summit; and a subtle increase in seismicity. These observations reflected a change in the volcanos 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.
Thank you for your concern. If we do get a substantial ashfall its going to get absorbed into the snow pack and during the spring thaw and warmup will create the worst problems, right now we are getting periodic snowfalls that is trapping the ash in layers, also it darkens the snow which as our days here in Alaska are growing by 5 minutes per day will let the sunlight melt the snow faster, we could get an early cooler breakup of the winter ice on the rivers or some major flooding, it does have me worried somewhat.
Its starting to get more active today!
The last half hour has been the strongest I have seen on the seismic charts, very hard to get data from AVO because of the media attention, they are using backup servers.
I can get a clear shot of the webcam and no eruption as yet, no plumes either, to me thats a bad sign because it could be building pressure.
Observers from the gas/observation flight today report continued melting at the summit area. Holes in the ice continue to grow exposing more steaming rock. Volcanic gases continue to be detected. Web camera views are currently dark.
http://www.avo.alaska.edu/activity/Redoubt.php
My brother is in Wasilla, he says it’s about 150 miles away. He did send me this cool webcam view to watch.
http://www.avo.alaska.edu/webcam/webcam.php?cam=Redoubt%20-%20Hut
Thanks, I need to call him but I have to wait til it’s a little later!
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