The volcano is located roughly 60 miles due west of Soldotna and about 100 miles southwest of Anchorage, home to three Evangelical Covenant churches. So far only light amounts of ash are expected north of the volcano and little is expected in Anchorage, according to the National Weather Service.
The first eruption occurred at 10:38 p.m. Sunday, followed by another at 11:02 p.m. A third was observed at 12:14 a.m. today, and the fourth at 1:39 a.m. The Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) estimated that the ash was sent 50,000 feet into the air.
It is the first eruption of the volcano in 20 years. AVO scientists initially cautioned area residents about an imminent eruption in late January, saying it could explode “any day.” There had been no eruptions until Sunday, however.
Scientists say they cannot predict how long the eruptions will cotninue, but the incident in 1989 lasted five months. Other active volcanoes in the area have erupted in recent years. Mount Augustine erupted in December 2005 and activity lasted through March 2006. Mount Spurr erupted in 1992.
Editor’s note: the accompanying photo is courtesy of the Alaska Volcano Observatory and the U.S. Geological Service. They show the volcano releasing steam a few days ago.
