AVO reported that ground-coupled air waves from small explosions at Shishaldin's summit area were detected in seismic data during 25-27 March, although the energy and rate of occurrence both declined over that time. Elevated surface temperatures were identified in satellite images on 27 March. Based on the elevated surface temperatures and explosions persistent since 18 March AVO raised the Aviation Color Code to Orange and the Volcano Alert Level to Watch on 28 March. Analysis of the data showed that the temperatures were consistent with an eruption of lava within the summit crater. Web-camera images, satellite data, and pilot observations during the previous week indicated only minor steam emissions from the summit crater; there had been no evidence of ash emissions. Explosions were detected during 29-30 March; elevated surface temperatures were identified during 30-31 March.

Geological Summary. The symmetrical glacier-covered Shishaldin in the Aleutian Islands is the westernmost of three large stratovolcanoes in the eastern half of Unimak Island. The Aleuts named the volcano Sisquk, meaning "mountain which points the way when I am lost." Constructed atop an older glacially dissected edifice, it is largely basaltic in composition. Remnants of an older edifice are exposed on the W and NE sides at 1,500-1,800 m elevation. There are over two dozen pyroclastic cones on its NW flank, which is covered by massive aa lava flows. Frequent explosive activity, primarily consisting of Strombolian ash eruptions from the small summit crater, but sometimes producing lava flows, has been recorded since the 18th century. A steam plume often rises from the summit crater.

Source: US Geological Survey Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO)