Seismic activity at Pavlof remained elevated during 22-28 August. A strong thermal anomaly was present at the summit on satellite imagery on 22, 24, 25, and 28 August; clouds inhibited observations on other days. Based on pilot reports and calculations using satellite imagery, a steam-and-ash plume rose to an altitude between 3-5.5 km (10,000-18,000 ft) a.s.l. On 25 August, seismic events and explosions were more energetic and a signal suggesting a large lahar was noted. Plume altitudes from previous days and seismic interpretation indicated that an ash plume rose to an altitude of 6.1 km (20,000 ft) a.s.l. on 26 and 28 August. The Volcanic Alert Level remained at Watch and the Aviation Color Code remained at Orange.

Geological Summary. The most active volcano of the Aleutian arc, Pavlof is a Holocene stratovolcano that was constructed along a line of vents extending NE from the Emmons Lake caldera. Pavlof and Pavlof Sister to the NE form a dramatic pair of symmetrical, glacier-covered stratovolcanoes that overlook Pavlof and Volcano bays. Little Pavlof is a smaller cone on the SW flank of Pavlof volcano, near the rim of Emmons Lake caldera. Unlike Pavlof Sister, eruptions have frequently been reported from Pavlof, typically Strombolian to Vulcanian explosive eruptions from the summit vents and occasional lava flows. The active vents lie near the summit on the north and east sides. The largest recorded eruption took place in 1911, at the end of a 5-year-long eruptive episode, when a fissure opened on the N flank, ejecting large blocks and issuing lava flows.

Source: US Geological Survey Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO)