On 13 October AVO reported that the lava dome in Cleveland’s summit crater, first observed in satellite data on 30 September, had doubled in size during 1-11 October. The lava dome covered an area of 8,300 square meters, and had approximate dimensions of 115 x 95 m. The number and intensity of elevated surface temperatures identified in satellite data had declined during the week, possibly indicating slowed or paused dome growth. A small steam plume was observed in mostly clear web camera views during 15-16 October, and moderately elevated surface temperatures were identified in satellite images on 16 October; these observations suggested continuing dome growth. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Watch.

Geological Summary. The beautifully symmetrical Mount Cleveland stratovolcano is situated at the western end of the uninhabited Chuginadak Island. It lies SE across Carlisle Pass strait from Carlisle volcano and NE across Chuginadak Pass strait from Herbert volcano. Joined to the rest of Chuginadak Island by a low isthmus, Cleveland is the highest of the Islands of the Four Mountains group and is one of the most active of the Aleutian Islands. The native name, Chuginadak, refers to the Aleut goddess of fire, who was thought to reside on the volcano. Numerous large lava flows descend the steep-sided flanks. It is possible that some 18th-to-19th century eruptions attributed to Carlisle should be ascribed to Cleveland (Miller et al., 1998). In 1944 it produced the only known fatality from an Aleutian eruption. Recent eruptions have been characterized by short-lived explosive ash emissions, at times accompanied by lava fountaining and lava flows down the flanks.

Source: US Geological Survey Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO)