The IVGG has reported a noteworthy increase in seismicity beneath Avachinsky and an increase in the height of the steam plume to about 100 m (300 to400 ft) above the volcano. The steam plume suggests a possible increase in heat flux. The IVGG reports that the possiblity of an eruption from Avachinsky within the next few weeks to months has increased significantly.
Avachinsky volcano is 25 km from Elizovo airport near Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. It has produced at least 14 historic eruptions, the most recent in January 1991 when, after a small explosive eruption, a lava flow filled the crater and has been cooling since. Based on the recent geologic record of Avachinsky volcano, lava flows in the crater may be explosively removed 2 to 5 years after emplacement. Avachinsky is seismically monitored, and IVGG continues to monitor the volcano closely.
PLEASE CONTACT AVO IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS: John C. Eichelberger Terry E.C. Keith Geophysical Institute U.S. Geological Survey University of Alaska 4200 University Drive Fairbanks, AK 99775 Anchorage, AK 99508-4667 OFF= (907) 474-5530 OFF= (907) 786-7443 FAX= (907) 474-5618 FAX= (907) 786-7425 EMAIL= EICH@GI.ALASKA.EDU EMAIL= TKEITH@TARDADDY.WR.USGS.GOV