Sulfur Smoke Up In The Sky...
2 inches of fresh snow on the ground.
25 degrees
Partly cloudy, strong southwest winds gusting to 25 kts.
From the Alaska Volcano Observatory
Current Level of Concern Color Code: YELLOW
A steam plume extending at least 75 km (45 mi) SE from Augustine Volcano is clearly visible by satellite and has also been reported by local pilots. Images in the web camera also show a plume. The plume appears to be primarily steam.
During the past several days, AVO has detected changes in the style of earthquake activity and received other information about gas emissions and steaming at Augustine Volcano. Two seismic events on Friday evening (12/9/05), and Sunday evening (12/11/05) may have perturbed the hydrothermal system, initiating steam explosions. These events are consistent with reports of steaming at the summit observed on Saturday (12/10/05), and distinct sulfur smell ("like from a sewer") in the air on Sunday evening (12/11/05) at Nanwalek and Port Graham, approximately 80 km (50 mi) east of the volcano. Collectively, these events are signs of continued and elevated level of volcanic unrest, but do not indicate that an eruption is imminent in the next few days to weeks. The level-of-concern color code remains at Yellow and AVO will continue to monitor activity closely.
Depending on the direction of the wind and the amount of gas emitted at the volcano, sulfur odors may persist. Periods of foul smelling air may accompany the present level of unrest at Augustine, but these periods should be relatively brief and are not expected to be a significant health concern. Humans can detect at very low concentrations the volcanic gases sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide. At higher concentrations (or if a person has respiratory problems) the gases can irritate the eyes and respiratory system. People with respiratory problems should take reasonable precautions as they would for dealing with other types of slightly unhealthy air.
25 degrees
Partly cloudy, strong southwest winds gusting to 25 kts.
From the Alaska Volcano Observatory
Current Level of Concern Color Code: YELLOW
A steam plume extending at least 75 km (45 mi) SE from Augustine Volcano is clearly visible by satellite and has also been reported by local pilots. Images in the web camera also show a plume. The plume appears to be primarily steam.
During the past several days, AVO has detected changes in the style of earthquake activity and received other information about gas emissions and steaming at Augustine Volcano. Two seismic events on Friday evening (12/9/05), and Sunday evening (12/11/05) may have perturbed the hydrothermal system, initiating steam explosions. These events are consistent with reports of steaming at the summit observed on Saturday (12/10/05), and distinct sulfur smell ("like from a sewer") in the air on Sunday evening (12/11/05) at Nanwalek and Port Graham, approximately 80 km (50 mi) east of the volcano. Collectively, these events are signs of continued and elevated level of volcanic unrest, but do not indicate that an eruption is imminent in the next few days to weeks. The level-of-concern color code remains at Yellow and AVO will continue to monitor activity closely.
Depending on the direction of the wind and the amount of gas emitted at the volcano, sulfur odors may persist. Periods of foul smelling air may accompany the present level of unrest at Augustine, but these periods should be relatively brief and are not expected to be a significant health concern. Humans can detect at very low concentrations the volcanic gases sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide. At higher concentrations (or if a person has respiratory problems) the gases can irritate the eyes and respiratory system. People with respiratory problems should take reasonable precautions as they would for dealing with other types of slightly unhealthy air.
