Elevated volcanic activity at Russia’s Bezymianny volcano

Significant activity was reported at Russia’s Bezymianny volcano from 19:00 to 20:30 UTC on October 16, 2023. Large hot avalanches collapsed on the eastern slopes, and an ash plume reached a height of 3.5 km a.s.l. The Aviation Color Code was elevated from Yellow to Orange.

The Kamchatka Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT) reported a notable increase in volcanic activity at Russia’s Bezymianny volcano between 19:00 and 20:30 UTC on October 16, 2023. Large hot avalanches were observed collapsing on the eastern slopes of the lava dome. Subsequently, an ash plume rose to a height of 3.5 km (11 500 feet) above sea level (a.s.l.), prompting KVERT to raise the Aviation Color Code from Yellow to Orange at 02:19 UTC on October 17, 2023.

Continuing from 21:30 UTC on October 16, hot avalanches remained persistent on the eastern slopes of the volcano. An ash plume has been extending to the northeast, with satellite data indicating a gas-steam plume containing some ash extending approximately 15 km (9.3 miles) in the same direction.

KVERT has warned of an extrusive eruption continuing at the volcano. The possibility of ash explosions reaching altitudes between 10 and 15 km (32 800 and 49 200 feet) a.s.l. exists over the next 1 to 3 days. Such ongoing activity could pose a risk to international and low-flying aircraft.

Further satellite data showed the ash plume extending about 86 km (53 miles) to the northeast of the volcano as of 04:59 UTC. The direction of the ash plume or cloud drift was noted to be northeast.

KVERT continues to monitor the situation closely, given the severity of the volcanic activity and its potential impact on aviation and nearby areas.

References:

¹ VONA/KVERT Information Release, October 17, 2023. KVERT, Institute of Volcanology and Seismology FEB RAS

Featured image credit: Copernicus EU/Sentinel-2, Volcano Discovery