Based on webcam and satellite views, the Buenos Aires VAAC reported that during 3-10 January intermittent ash puffs from Sabancaya likely rose as high as 9.1 km (30,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted WSW, W, N, and NE; weather clouds sometimes obscured satellite and webcam views, and the webcam was not operational during 5-6 January.

Geological Summary. Sabancaya, located in the saddle NE of Ampato and SE of Hualca Hualca volcanoes, is the youngest of these volcanic centers and the only one to have erupted in historical time. The oldest of the three, Nevado Hualca Hualca, is of probable late-Pliocene to early Pleistocene age. The name Sabancaya (meaning "tongue of fire" in the Quechua language) first appeared in records in 1595 CE, suggesting activity prior to that date. Holocene activity has consisted of Plinian eruptions followed by emission of voluminous andesitic and dacitic lava flows, which form an extensive apron around the volcano on all sides but the south. Records of observed eruptions date back to 1750 CE.

Source: Buenos Aires Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)