AVO raises alert level for Korovin after small phreatic explosion, Alaska
The Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) raised the Aviation Color Code for Korovin Volcano to Yellow and the Volcano Alert Level to Advisory after instruments detected a small phreatic explosion at 03:55 AKDT (11:55 UTC) on July 16, 2026.
Korovin volcano viewed from monitoring station KOWE. "Old Steamy" fumarole can be seen in the foreground - August 28, 2025. Credit: AVO/USGS, Jordan Lubbers
The explosion was recorded in seismic and infrasound data at Korovin, the main historically active volcano within the Atka volcanic complex in the central Aleutian Islands. AVO described the event as steam-driven and reported no emissions in satellite imagery, although regional cloud cover would obscure activity below 3 km (10 000 feet) above sea level.
The eruption started at 11:55 UTC and lasted for 10 minutes.
AVO said ash clouds generated by this type of event are expected to be small and dissipate quickly. Ash fallout, if any, was considered unlikely to extend much beyond the volcano’s upper flanks.
Korovin is located about 16 km (10 miles) north of the community of Atka and 1 760 km (1 095 miles) southwest of Anchorage.
Today’s event follows a small explosion from the crater lake at Korovin on June 24. No emissions were detected associated with June activity, and elevated seismicity declined immediately after the event. AVO did not change the Aviation Color Code or Volcano Alert Level for that episode.
References:
1 Volcanic Activity Notice for Atka volcanic complex – USGS/AVO – July 16, 2026
I'm a dedicated researcher, journalist, and editor at The Watchers. With over 20 years of experience in the media industry, I specialize in hard science news, focusing on extreme weather, seismic and volcanic activity, space weather, and astronomy, including near-Earth objects and planetary defense strategies. You can reach me at teo /at/ watchers.news.
Commenting rules and guidelines
We value the thoughts and opinions of our readers and welcome healthy discussions on our website. In order to maintain a respectful and positive community, we ask that all commenters follow these rules.