Alaska volcano alert: Pilots must avoid airspace as eruption sends ash five miles into sky

Shishaldin Volcano is one of the most active in Alaska, threw out a plume of ash which satellite imagery detected as high as 28,000 feet (8,535 metres) above sea level, the Alaska Volcano Observatory reported. The plume stretched about 90 miles (145 km) as of midday yesterday, blowing mostly east and over the Gulf of Alaska, said the observatory.

David Fee, the observatory’s coordinating scientist, based at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, said a sprinkling of ash was reported in the tiny Aleutian village of False Pass, which is located roughly 23 miles (37 km) northeast of the Shishaldin.

He added: “Someone reported some ash on their windshield.”

False Pass has a year-round population of about 40, according to state data.

The upper two-thirds of the spherical peak are usually cloaked year-round in snow and ice.

It is in a cluster of frequently erupting volcanoes in the eastern Aleutians.

Mr Fee said: “This is the most active region in Alaska for volcanic activity.”

A statement issued by Alaska Volcano Observatory at 7.12am (GMT) said: “Eruptive activity continues at Shishaldin Volcano, despite a drop in the level of seismicity.

“A robust steam and ash plume continues to drift to the south-southeast, as visible in web camera and satellite imagery and reported by passing aircraft.

“The volcanic cloud extends up to 150 km (90 miles) from the volcano with its top as high as 30,000 ft.

“Trace ash fall in False Pass has been reported.”

source: express.co.uk