Ash produced by major eruption at Sheveluch grounds flights in Alaska

Ash clouds produced by the major eruption of Russia’s Sheveluch volcano led to the cancellation of scores of flights in Alaska. The ash clouds drifted across the International Date Line into Alaska airspace, causing safety concerns for airlines over the next couple of days. As a precautionary measure, Alaska Airlines canceled 45 flights to and from Alaska and within the state. Other airlines also had to cancel or delay their flights.

The volcano erupted on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, sending plumes of ash up to 15.2 km (52,000 feet) above sea level. The ash cloud was carried across the Bering Sea by the wind and reached Alaska on Thursday, April 13. The ash clouds gathered in the Gulf of Alaska, leading to concerns about its impact on aviation.

Alaska Airlines, the state’s largest airline, had to cancel 45 flights due to safety concerns caused by the ash clouds. Grant Aviation, which conducts 28 daily flights in Alaska, also canceled two flights departing from Kenai to Anchorage, and two more departing Anchorage flying to Kenai on Thursday. A fifth flight was delayed due to the ash conditions.

Heavy ashfall, up to 8 cm (3.1 inches) was reported in the city of Klyuchi (60 km / 37 miles from the volcano) and the surrounding areas following the eruption on April 11.

According to the Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (IVS) FEB RAS, this is the strongest ashfall in the city of Klyuchi in the past 60 years.

Authorities reported power outages and polluted drinking water in the city. All classes have been temporarily suspended and residents were urged not to leave their homes.

Read more:

Massive eruption at Sheveluch volcano produces strongest ashfall in 60 years, Russia

Featured image: GOES-18 SO₂ RGB images, April 11 – 14, 2023. Credit: NOAA/GOES-18, UW-CIMSS