UNIMAK ISLAND, Alaska – The level of unrest has increased at Shishaldin Volcano, Alaskan officials say.
The Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) issued an Orange Watch on their volcano alert scale just after 5:30 p.m. local time Thursday. The issuance comes shortly after the detection of elevated surface temperatures consistent with lava erupting at the summit, the latest satellite data showed.
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If you see an Orange Watch, it means that a volcano is showing signs of increased unrest and there is a higher chance of eruption. However, it is still being determined when this may happen. Alternatively, an Orange Watch may indicate that an eruption is currently happening but only poses a limited threat.
Based on past eruption cycles, ash emissions were expected to happen, with a possibility of them increasing throughout the day. Significant ash events during recent eruptions resulted in ash clouds with heights up to 40,000 feet, according to the AVO.
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The Shishaldin Volcano is monitored by local seismic and infrasound sensors, web cameras and a telemetered geodetic network.
In addition to the local monitoring network, the AVO is also using nearby geophysical networks, regional infrasound and lighting data, and satellite images to detect eruptions.