Okmok Caldera Volcano Unleashes Explosive Eruption

The Alaska Volcano Observatory has issued a volcano warning after the Saturday morning eruption at the Okmok Caldera. The Alaska Volcano Observatory is advising people to avoid the immediate area surrounding the Okmok Caldera on Umnak Island. The eruption of the volcano in Alaska was classified by the Alaskan Volcano Observatory as a strong explosive eruption. At this time it is unknown whether there is an accompanying lava flow, although Okmok Caldera has flowed lava in previous eruptions. An ash cloud was reported drifting to the east and southeast of the Alaska volcano. The ash cloud extends as high as 35,000 feet and aircraft are advised to avoid it. The Alaska Volcano Observatory has issued a RED aviation color code warning signifying an eruption is underway with a significant ash cloud.

The Okmok Caldera is located in the Eastern Aleutian Island chain in Alaska. The current eruption began at 11:43 AM local time on Saturday morning and frequent seismic activity continued into Sunday morning after reaching a peak around 2:00 PM on Saturday as reported by the Alaska Volcano Observatory. Because of the explosive nature of the eruption, there is a hazard of flying debris in the immediate vicinity. No injuries have been reported.

Villages Near Okmok Caldera

Dutch Harbor, 65 miles away has reported a light ash fall. Ash is also falling in the immediate area of Umnak Island and the ocean to the east. Nikolski, A small village of 40 residents, shares Umnak Island with the volcano. Nikolski has, thus far, been spared the effects of the ash fall due to the direction of the prevailing winds. The ash fall has caused no significant problems for residents near either Dutch Harbor or Nikolski at this point.

Okmok Caldera Information

Okmok Caldera is believed to be about 2000 years old and last erupted in 1997. At that time Okmok Caldera produced ash clouds and a five mile long flow of lava. The Okmok Caldera itself spans a distance of six miles, and was an estimated 1600 feet deep before the most recent eruption.

Okmok Caldera is an active volcanic site with frequent venting of volcanic gases occurring along its slopes and within the caldera itself. Hot Springs cove, just 12 miles away, is heated by the underground activity of Okmok Caldera. The Alaska Volcano Observatory is keeping an eye on the volcano and will issue revised warnings as the situation changes.