Redoubt Volcano Erupts

[jpurdy]

The 2009 eruption of Redoubt Volcano, which began on March 22 ... has been characterized by powerful ash explosions, with the resulting plumes reaching between 30,000 to 60,000 feet above sea level...The larger explosions have been associated with lahars [mudflows] in the Drift River Valley and trace to minor ash fall in and around the volcano and in areas across south-central Alaska.
Based on its past activity, the current Redoubt eruption is expected to continue for weeks to months. During this time, a cycle of relatively quiet periods of lava dome growth followed by explosive episodes of dome destruction could take place. Future explosions pose an ongoing threat of lahars in the Drift River Valley, trace to minor ash fall throughout south-central Alaska, and ash-related impacts to aviation.

Heavily ice-mantled Redoubt volcano is located on the western side of Cook Inlet, 106 miles southwest of Anchorage... within Lake Clark National Park. Redoubt is a stratovolcano which rises to 10,197 feet above sea level.

The Alaska Volcano Observatory site includes a dramatic photo of lightning from Redoubt's 1:20 a.m. eruption on March 28.
http://www.avo.alaska.edu/image.php?id=17287

Checkout the Webcams for the Redoubt Volcano
http://www.avo.alaska.edu/webcam/Redoubt_-_CI.php

[nearlywild]

I know this an older thread but I have a little story to tell. I was on my way home to AK from Phoenix when Redoubt erupted. I left Phx and everything was fine. Got to Seattle and checked the flight status boards and it said my flight to Fairbanks was delayed. Went to the desk and found out about the eruptions. I ended up being stuck in Seattle for 3 days with a 15 month old. And they wouldn't let us have our luggage. Thank goodness for the USO there at the airport and that I packed plenty of diapers and formula in a carry on bag.