Augustine Erupts Again

Ash cloud headed slowly toward Kenai Peninsula





January 13, 2006
Daily News staff and wire services
Anchorae Daily News

Photo: Steam and minor ash plume rising above Augustine volcano. (Picture Date: January 12, 2006 14:00:00 by McGimsey, Game / USGS)

HOMER - Augustine Volcano erupted again early Friday morning, sending an ash cloud toward communities on the lower Kenai Peninsula. But light winds meant the ash was traveling slowly, and scientists predicted ash fall would be light when it reaches land around 9 a.m. this morning.

The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District announced a two-hour delay of school opening from Ninilchik south, including Homer.

Scientists with the Alaska Volcano Observatory said Friday's explosive eruption lasted 44 minutes and was stronger than the volcano's two initial bursts early Wednesday. Those lasted just a few minutes each.

"Definitely more energy," said Tom Murray, scientist in charge of the observatory. "It lasted longer."

Fridays's eruption started at 3:55 a.m. and lasted until 4:39 a.m., the observatory said.

The ash cloud rose at least 34,000 feet above the island, which is located in lower Cook Inlet 75 miles southwest of Homer and about 180 miles from Anchorage.

"It looks like it won't leave much i the way of perceivable dust," said Rick Wessels, a research geophysicist at the observatory. An accumulation of larger particles would depend on how much was caught in stronger winds at higher elevations, he said.

The National Weather Service ash cloud advisory has been issued for residents from Ninilchik, 38 miles south of Kenai, to Kodiak Island. The weather service said the ash was moving east and south.


Augustine Volcano facts

Location: Cook Inlet, 180 miles southwest of Anchorage, 75 miles southwest of Homer

Type: Stratovolcano

Height: 4,134 feet

Last erupted: 1986

Past activity: Explosive eruptions have occured six times since the early 1800s: 1812, 1833, 1935, 1964-65, 1976 and 1986.

Hazards: Plumes of volcanic ash are a major hazard to jet aircraft, while debris from the eruption can avalanche and cause tsunamis.



The eruption did not give scientists nearly as much warning as the two smaller eruptions Wednesday, when earthquakes provided 12 hours' warning that something was building.

"This one gave us minutes of warning that something had changed," Wessels said.

The eruption was quickly confirmed by National Weather Service radar at Kenai.

Scientists said more eruptions are likely at any time.

The 4,134-foot volcano last erupted in 1976 and 1986. Anchorage received .12 inches of ash in 1976 and less than .04 inches in 1986. About .2 inches fell on Homer in both eruptions.

Ash can damage vehicle engines as well as aircraft that fly through plumes.

http://www.adn.com/news/alaska/story/7355634p-7268050c.html

January 12, 2006
By KRISTEN INBODY
Mirror Writer

In June 1912, daylight turned to impenetrable blackness for 48 hours, immobilizing Kodiak. Ash from Mount Katmai, nearly 100 miles away, rained on the city.

Nauseating sulfur dioxide gas, earthquakes and lightning inaugurated the ash fall. When it subsided, Kodiak streams had become quicksand, water was undrinkable and lakes were filled. Roofs had collapsed. Birds, bears and salmon perished.

With memories of the 1912 ash fall in mind, Kodiakans watch with concern the eruption of the Mount Augustine Volcano, which began Wednesday.

It’s exceedingly unlikely the Augustine Volcano will cause an ash fall on par with the Katmai eruption, said Tina Neal, a volcanologist with the U.S. Geological Survey.

“That was the largest eruption on the entire planet in the 20th century. It’s a completely different league,” she said. “To our knowledge, Augustine has never produced an eruption that size.”

Wind pushed Wednesday’s ash plume north through the Cook Inlet instead of toward Kodiak as it rose from the volcano 75 miles southwest of Homer.

The six-mile high plume dissipated by the afternoon and there was no confirmed ash fall on the mainland.

The local ash fall advisory was canceled by 4 p.m.

Kodiak has received ash from Augustine in the past.

“We’re still concerned about future explosions,” Neal said. “If the winds are from the north, absolutely Kodiak could receive some ash fall.”

Kodiak’s surface winds typically blow from the northwest, except in the summer. This puts the island in the trajectory for ash fall from Augustine, according to the National Weather Service.

“That’s not a favorable thing,” meteorological technician Dave Stricklan said.

However, usually winds higher aloft are southerly, which is in Kodiak’s favor, said Craig Eckert, station manager for the weather service in Kodiak.

“That’s why the ash plume went north and eventually west and fell out over the water on the western side of Cook Inlet,” Eckert said.

“If the volcano were to blow today, we stand a chance of getting some ash, but only some low-level ash,” Eckert said. “The majority of it would go northwest on the mid-level winds.”

Neal said Kodiak should be prepared for ash fall not only because of Augustine but also because of the island’s proximity to the active Katmai area.

The Alaska Volcano Observatory expects stronger seismic activity and more earthquake action.

Neal said Augustine has settled down, but the agency’s alert level remains at red, indicating an explosive eruption is expected.

“It could turn back on at any time,” she said. “It sometimes starts long eruptions in fits and starts.”

Past explosions lasted for weeks or months.

During eruptions in 1976 and 1986, the volcano showed intensified activity leading up to a larger explosive event.

Should history repeat itself, Alaskans may have little warning of an explosive eruption, according to the Alaska Volcano Observatory.

Pieces of rock and glass the size of grains of sand make up volcanic ash. The size of the ash particles and their density depends on distance from the volcano.

Volcanic ash is hard, heavy, abrasive, mildly corrosive, does not dissolve in water and can conduct electricity when wet, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

Coming with rain and lightning, it can hinder power, airplanes and communication equipment.

Ash fall is bad for eyes, lungs and skin. The Red Cross recommends wearing respirators when outside and wearing glasses instead of contact lenses during an ash fall. During cleanup, the organization recommends wearing goggles.

It also can wreck havoc on automobiles, scratching them and clogging filters. Those at risk for ash fall should stock extra air filters, windshield washer fluid and wiper blades.

For more information about Mount Augustine Volcano, visit www.volcano.gov

Mirror writer Kristen Inbody may be reached via e-mail at kinbody@kodiakdailymirror.com.

— Safety tips for an ash fall:

• Stay indoors, especially children, until the dust is gone.

• Listen to the radio for emergency information.

• Keep pets indoors.

• Close doors, windows, dampers and any other draft sources.

• Avoid burning woodstoves or fireplaces.

• Do not run exhaust fans or clothes dryers.

• Vacuum furniture, carpets, etc. Wiping off the ash can cause scratches.

• Brush, shake and presoak clothes. Use plenty of water and detergent but do not soak as it gums up.

• Cover and do not use computers, stereos and other sensitive equipment.

• Avoid driving if possible. Cover your car with a tarp.

• If forced to drive, go slowly and keep your distance from other cars. Ash is slippery. Use washer fluid to avoid scratching the windshield when using the wiper blades.

• Keep extra filters on hand and replace after the ash is cleaned up or when clogged. Change oil and oil filters.

(Information provided by Southern Region Emergency Medical Services Council, Inc. and the American Red Cross of Kodiak.)

http://www.kodiakdailymirror.com/?pid=19&id=2533

I don't live near Alaska, but know that the ash can travel many miles....Thanks for the info!

Well I do The kids were all excited that they might get a day off from school ... NOT .

The winds picked up that evening and blew it more to the south ... so now we are finally getting some more snow .

It's been really cold and icy up here.... the weather has really been different lately , that's for sure.

We also just found out this morning that we are to expect another explossion from this mountain very soon .... hope it's not too big .

The weather seems to be crazy everywhere

The weather sure is crazy everywhere! I live in the mountains and we usually are cold and have lots of snow by now. We have been warm here and NO snow at all! Please keep us updated with any further information regarding any impending explosion !

I wonder if we are in a polar shift?

great now the toilets are gonna flush in a different direction....doh

Jeep

Jeep...you are on a roll tonight

Seeing as he is in the toilet mode, that is a familar kinda roll I say...he suits it well...starts off white and...

hey now...I was merely saying that the water will swirl in the opposite direction that can have a definete impact on some people....it can be bad...bad

Dean is gonna put us all in timeout if we keep taking up space here....so let's go to another thread....just kidding Boss

I think time out is a good idea...you boys need it tonight