Mount Pavlof

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Mount Pavlof

Steam and volcanic gas rising from the summit crater of Pavlof Volcano
Elevation 8,264 feet (2,519 m)
Location Alaska, USA
Range Aleutian Range
Prominence 8,225 ft (2,507 m)[1]
Coordinates 55°25′0″N, 161°53′15″W
Topo map USGS Port Moller B-6
Type Stratovolcano
Last eruption 2007
First ascent June 27, 1928 by T. A. Jagger, J. Gardiner, O. P. McKinley, P. A. Yatchmenoff, R. H. Stewart
Easiest route Northwest Face: snow/glacier climb

Pavlof Volcano is a stratovolcano of the Aleutian Range on the Alaska Peninsula. It has been one of the most active in the United States since 1980, with eruptions recorded in 1980, 1981, 1983, 1986–1988, 1996–1997, and an ongoing eruption starting on August 15, 2007 and ending on September 13. The Alaska Volcano Observatory currently rates Pavlof as Aviation Color Code Green and Volcano Alert Level Normal.[2] With a threat score of 95[3], the threat from future eruptions is considered to be high; much of this threat comes from the possibility of disruption of nearby air routes by large releases of ash.[3]. The mountain currently has basic real-time monitoring, but the USGS would like to improve instrumentation at the site.[3]

The mountain shares a name with the nearby Pavlof Sister, which last erupted in 1786.

The first recorded ascent of Pavlof Volcano was on June 27, 1928 by T. A. Jagger, J. Gardiner, O. P. McKinley, P. A. Yatchmenoff, R. H. Stewart, although "speculation surrounds this ascent, which was recounted in National Geographic."[4] Due to the straightforward nature of the climb, an earlier unrecorded ascent may have occurred. The second ascent was in June 1950 by T. P. Bank.[4]

The main challenge of climbing this peak is its remoteness and the consequent difficulty of access. The peak is a 30 mi (48 km) journey from the north side of Cold Bay. The climb itself is a straightforward snow climb, and the ski descent is recommended.[4]

Since its last eruption in 1996, the volcano entered a period of dormancy, the longest it has ever been dormant since records of its eruptions have been kept. This period ended on August 15, 2007, with the start of a new eruption involving seismic disturbances and a "vigorous eruption of lava."[5] Scientists said that the volcano "could be working toward a massive eruption that could affect air travel but was not expected to threaten any of the towns in the area."[5] The eruption ended on September 13, but activity may resume soon.[2]

Map showing volcanoes of Alaska Peninsula.
Map showing volcanoes of Alaska Peninsula.

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[edit] Notes

  1. ^ Alaskan ultra-prominent peaks on peaklist.org
  2. ^ a b AVO report
  3. ^ a b c John W. Ewert, Marianne Guffanti, and Thomas L. Murray. An Assessment of Volcanic Threat and Monitoring Capabilities in the United States: Framework for a National Volcano Early Warning System. United States Geological Survey, April 2005.
  4. ^ a b c Michael Wood and Colby Coombs, Alaska: a climbing guide, The Mountaineers, 2001, p. 46.
  5. ^ a b James Halpin. Alaska Volcano Poised for Huge Eruption. Associated Press. Retrieved on 2007-08-18.

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[edit] External links