Kenai Alaska Volcano Watch - Iliamna at Yellow Alert

One of the Kenai Peninsula's four most popular volcanoes, Mt Iliamna, was upgraded to "yellow" in March, indicating there could be increased chance for an eruption.

Mt. Iliamna has not seen an official eruption since 1876 although its constant plumes of sulfurous gas give it the illusion of eruption. Sitting at 10,106 ft, the mountains peak is a favorite fly out trip for Peninsula visitors during the summer.

According to the Alaska Volcano Observatory, yellow status means a volcano "is exhibiting signs of elevated unrest above known background level." Iliamna was upgraded after scientists noted an increased level of seismic activity in the vicinity of the peak in early March. A test conducted on emissions from the volcano on March 17 revealed heightened levels of sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide, indicating the presence of magma.

Although the signs of increased activity have decreased from their originally noted levels in March, the activity remains elevated and Iliamna remains on yellow watch status.What does this mean for us? It could mean a once-in-a-lifetime historic summer event for visitors to the Kenai Peninsula this summer.

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