Alaska Volcano Observatory

The eruption of lava within the summit crater of Great Sitkin Volcano likely continues. There have been no new satellite radar observations since April 21, 2024, and optical satellite and web camera images have been obscured by clouds over the past week. Based on past behavior, it is likely that the eruption is continuing. Several high-resolution satellite images from the past week showed steaming from the vent region rising above the low meteorological cloud deck. Seismic activity was low, with occasional small volcanic earthquakes. This level of seismicity is typical of the current eruption.

The current prolonged period of lava eruption at Great Sitkin Volcano began in July 2021. No explosive events have occurred since a single event in May 2021.         

The volcano is monitored by local seismic, geodetic, and infrasound sensors and web cameras, as well as regional infrasound and lightning networks and satellite data.    

Low-level unrest continues at Shishaldin Volcano, with occasional small volcanic earthquakes and weak seismic tremor being observed throughout the week. Sulfur dioxide emissions were detected on April 29 and 30 with satellite-based sensors, but no ash emissions or new deposits were observed in satellite data. Weak steam emissions were occasionally seen in satellite images when the summit was clear. No changes in summit crater were observed in satellite data, but minor rock falls associated with collapse events from the unstable ground in and near the summit crater are possible. These events may generate very small clouds of fine-grained ash that dissipate quickly in the immediate vicinity of the summit.  

No significant eruptive activity has occurred since November 2023.   

Local seismic and infrasound sensors, web cameras, and a geodetic network are used to monitor Shishaldin Volcano. In addition to the local monitoring network, AVO uses nearby geophysical networks, regional infrasound and lighting data, and satellite images to monitor the volcano.