A proposed alert-level notification system A proposed alert-level notification system

for all U.S. volcanoesfor all U.S. volcanoes A proposed alert-level notification system A proposed alert-level notification system

for all U.S. volcanoesfor all U.S. volcanoes C.A. Gardner, M.C. Guffanti, C.C. Heliker, D.P. Hill, J.B. Lowenstern and T.L. Murray

The U.S is rich in volcanoesThe U.S is rich in volcanoes

AVOAVO

HVOHVO

YVOYVO

LVOLVO

CVOCVO

~ 170 past 10,000 yrs~ 80 historical time~ 50 monitored

5 volcano observatories/ 3 alert level systems

Our goal is a single system that:Our goal is a single system that:

• can accommodate all styles, sizes and durations of volcanic activity

• is useful to both aviation and ground-based communities

• works during escalating and de-escalating activity

• does not erupt existing effective communication or protocols

• can accommodate all styles, sizes and durations of volcanic activity

• is useful to both aviation and ground-based communities

• works during escalating and de-escalating activity

• does not erupt existing effective communication or protocols

Proposed SystemProposed System

COLOR TERM DESCRIPTION

GREEN NORMAL Normal non-eruptive state; typical background activity

YELLOW ADVISORY Elevated unrest above known background activity

ORANGE WATCH

Escalating or sustained unrest indicates eruption likely, timeframe variable. OR, eruption underway that poses a localized hazard (e.g., lava flows, lahars, or hydrothermal activity in largely uninhabited areas, or small ash plumes).

RED WARNINGHazardous eruption is expected within hours or is underway

Elements of the proposed systemElements of the proposed system• color compatible with the current aviation color code

• term compatible with NWS system for ground-based hazards

• description based on activity at the volcano

• color compatible with the current aviation color code

• term compatible with NWS system for ground-based hazards

• description based on activity at the volcano

• no specific language regarding plume height or forecast of activity

• information regarding plume height and forecast part of text accompanying change in alert levels or updates

• no specific language regarding plume height or forecast of activity

• information regarding plume height and forecast part of text accompanying change in alert levels or updates

ALASKA VOLCANO OBSERVATORYCURRENT STATUS REPORT

Thursday, June 10, 2004 3:50 PM ADT (23:50 UTC)

  MOUNT VENIAMINOF (CAVW#1102-07)53° 10’N 159°23’W Summit Cone elevation 10,016 ft; 3,053 m)

CURRENT LEVEL OF CONCERN COLOR CODE: YELLOW

Episodes of low-level tremor were recorded at Mount Veniaminof throughout the day. Several episodes were of similar amplitude to those that in the past were accompanied by short-duration, small ash emissions (less than 10,000 feet above sea level). Clouds continue to obscure the volcano in satellite data and web camera images. Activity at Mount Veniaminof can increase quickly and small ash emissions that pose a hazard to people and low-flying aircraft in the vicinity of the caldera may occur with little or no warning.

FeedbackFeedback

• from the aviation community to ensure effective communication

• from the aviation community to ensure effective communication

• from the volcano community to discuss other approaches - someday a worldwide scheme?

• from the volcano community to discuss other approaches - someday a worldwide scheme?