Spatter-fed lava flows emanate from the summit vent on occasion. Mudflows and some flooding could be expected in the Cathedral River valley north of the volcano. Airborne ash hazards to aircraft may be considerable if a large explosive event occurs but much less severe during a typical Strombolian phase. AVO has a seismic network of six stations near the volcano and will continue to monitor the volcano's seismic activity. At least one other Update will be issued before the end of today.
Satellite imagery indicates also indicate a hot spot in the vicinity of the cone.
Seismic information obtained from stations located on and near the volcano indicates a low level eruption is occurring. The volcano is presently obscured by bad weather. Pavlof is the most active volcano in the Aleutian volcanic arc with almost 40 relatively well-documented eruptions dating back to 1790. Short-lived ash columns reaching to heights of 10 km or more have been noted particularly in the initial phases of an eruption. Frequent steam and ash emission, explosions, and strong tremors accompanied summit lava fountaining that fed several lava flows, which in turn produced a number of both hot and cold, extensive mudflows.