Volcanic Ash in Western Ak Peninsula, Alaska

The Shishaldin volcano erupted just after 11am Monday. The eruption lasted for close to 6 hours. Fortunately, prevailing winds were north to northwest at lower levels, carrying the ash across uninhabited areas of Unimak Island out into the Pacific. These eruptions during this time of year can typically melt snows on the volcano mountain very rapidly, triggering flash floods and mud slides. In this case, a warning was issued for ash...primarily as it pertained to health and respiratory problems.