New Explosion at Redoubt Volcano Expected as Quake Activity Rises

Scientists warned Tuesday of an increasing likelihood of a new explosion at Redoubt Volcano south of Anchorage, where growing earthquake activity indicates “vigorous dome building.”

But winter darkness and snowfall made visual inspections impossible Tuesday, Robert McGimsey of the Alaska Volcano Observatory said.

“Over the past 16 hours, the earthquake activity associated with the dome-building phase of the eruption has increased markedly,” McGimsey said. “The largest earthquake activity was recorded this morning . . . the same type of activity associated with ash fall and large ash plumes.”

McGimsey said that the activity at the 10,197-foot volcano indicates a “significant chance of moderate explosive activity over the next 24 hours.”

Redoubt Volcano, 110 miles southwest of Anchorage, returned to life explosively on Dec. 14, sending ash plumes several thousand feet into the air and temporarily grounding thousands of holiday travelers.

Air travel via Anchorage was put on hold for several days in mid-December after one 747 jumbo jet temporarily lost power when its engines became clogged with ash.

Ivy Moore, of the Federal Aviation Administration in Anchorage, said that air travel was normal on Tuesday.