Redoubt Still Active, but Not Exploding

Posted by Alexandra Matiella Novak Feb 12, 2009

As of February 12, 2009, the latest word from the Alaska Volcano Observatory is:

"Redoubt Volcano has not erupted. Elevated seismicity is continuing, dominated by ongoing volcanic tremor and occasional small earthquakes.

"AVO staff members continue to monitor the volcano 24 hours a day."

Alaskans are on the edge of their seat, ready for an eruption. The last time Mt. Redoubt erupted in 1989, it was a very large eruption, preceded by the same kind of seismic signals that AVO volcanologists are currently seeing. Alaskans are doing everything to prepare for an eruption on the same scale as the 1989 eruption - including stocking up on face masks - and the Anchorage airport is on alert. But alas, no eruption has happened yet.

When we first heard about the increase in seismic activity, back in early February, it seemed we were within days of a volcano eruption. Here we are, two weeks later, and the excitement has died down while the volcano continues to behave in the exact same manner.

This is the hardest part of volcanology as a science - with all the data we've collected and all the patterns we think will help us forecast an eruption, in the end, there is just no way to tell exactly when one will happen.

It's a good thing for AVO that Alaska is full of such a rugged and versatile people. A little volcanic eruption to Alaskans is no big deal - they live in close proximity to some of the most active and explosive volcanoes in the world.

We'll be keeping a close eye on Redoubt, no doubt, as this seismic activity continues. For now, it's just wait and learn.