USGS updates Alaska volcano status: Great Sitkin erupts slowly; Shishaldin remains unrestful

The U.S. Geological Survey and the Alaska Volcano Observatory issued a fresh status update on Alaska’s monitored volcanoes on April 4.

Great Sitkin remains at Volcano Alert Level WATCH and Aviation Color Code ORANGE. USGS says lava continues to erupt slowly within the summit crater, but there have been no explosions since May 2021.

Shishaldin remains at Volcano Alert Level ADVISORY and Aviation Color Code YELLOW. AVO says seismic and infrasound activity are still elevated, and sulfur dioxide emissions were detected in satellite data.

The Atka volcanic complex also remains at ADVISORY/YELLOW with low-level unrest and weak seismic tremor.

The official update does not raise alert levels, but it does confirm that the volcanic activity is ongoing and being closely monitored. That makes the notice relevant for aviation, local communities and anyone tracking Alaska volcano hazards.

AVO’s next update will determine whether the status remains unchanged or shifts again if activity changes.