It's not as though we haven't had our share of weather challenges this year. According to a meteorologist friend, the nice little cold snap we recently experienced is getting ready to pale in comparison to the cool temps heading our way. What was 60 below zero could very well turn into 80 below.
Now, of course we're hearing rumblings that Mt. Redoubt near Anchorage is getting ready to blow her top. The folks at the Alaska Volcano Observatory have observed significant seismic activity at Redoubt, signaling an eruption could be imminent. An AVO observation flight this afternoon reported no sign of ash emission, but observed significant steaming from a new melt depression at the mouth of the summit crater near the vent area of the 1989-90 eruption.
Unlike Hawaii's volcanoes, you won't see a red river of lava flowing from Alaska's volcanoes. What you will see is ash shooting up to 50,000 feet into the jet stream. The particulate matter is a very abrasive rock fragment that can injure skin and damage eyes and breathing passages. It can also cause serious damage to vehicles, buildings and aircraft flying into the cloud. Should there be an eruption, do not go outside unless it's absolutely necessary and remember to use a face mask to keep from breathing in the ash. The very young, the very old and those with respiratory problems are advised to stay indoors at all costs.
Always be prepared. It's worked for the boy scouts for almost 100 years. Both FEMA and the US Geological Survey websites have great information for preparing for and dealing with the aftermath of an eruption. Do you have plans to fly into or out of Alaska in the next few days? An eruption could ground flights around the state. Flight information can be found on the Anchorage International and Fairbanks International Airport websites. Current ash fallout trajectory maps (updated by NOAA every six hours) show the wind carrying the ash cloud away from Fairbanks... Let's hope that holds true.
Follow the Alaska Volcano Observatory and receive hourly updates on Twitter.
Jesse, Looks like things are starting to heat up on the left coast again. I heard that Seattle had a minor earthquake yesterday. And the folks are talking about global warming... H--m-m-m-m more junk science?
Your building consultant in Brentwood, TN ~~ Michael
Jesse, the picture is beautiful but the trouble it represents not so much huh? I complain here about our 21 degrees guess I should stop complaining.
HMMMMMMMMMM, I hope that Mt. Redoubt gets this out of her system before August. Remember I'm not getting any younger.
Jesse, thanks for the info and links. I've been reading about this and curious about what was happening...now I have the places to go!
I had no idea that Alaska had volcanos - we really do learn something new every day! I hope this eruption won't cause too many problems for you - being prepared sounds like the best thing you can do.
Jesse, I hadn't even heard of this story here in the Lower 48. Wow if that much ash goes into the air that will be a big story and safety hazard for everyone involved too. I know Alaska is part of that Ring of Fire around the Pacific.
I heard this the other day and thought of you. Stay safe my friend. Let us know if you all need anything up there!
If it wasn't enough for me to worry about the temperature! Please remind me again why you choose to live there. (This is coming from someone who lives in 'Tornado Alley'). Take care of yourself and family for goodness sake!!!
Oh, my gosh, Jesse, that photograph almost looks like a nuclear bomb exploded!!!
I was going to email you yesterday to see how you might be effected by the possible eruption! I have been watching it very closely on the news!duku
Jesse, Yes this has occupied my husbands week. I lived through Mt St Helens, had 4 inches of ash at my house - drove 8 hours from Wenatchee to Mose Lake as the ash was falling so I lost my vehicle and of course was scared out of my mind! I was alone for several days since my then husband was a first responder. I saw hording at the store, had to walk to work for weeks and did payroll in the dark by hand so that families could receive pay even though it would be days before power came on. I worked for a large department store and we had to escort people in 2 by 2 to buy supplies for security reasons. I had to have my roof clean off so it wouldn't collapse!
That was 29 years ago and there is still ash in the desert of Eastern Washington! I should dig out my photos and scan them in.
I hope that the damage is low and that now one is at risk - people with asthma, those wearing contacts should be very careful.
I told my husband - DO NOT DRIVE - KEEP THE TRUCK IN THE GARAGE!
I read about this the other day and thought how nerve racking it must be for anyone near by.
Hey Jesse, that's scary as hell! Ever thought about moving south? No? That's what I figured. THanks for the post, and good luck! Hope you'll keep us posted.
Well, I wonder if the next thing you will be telling us about is a hurricane! I hadn't even thought about volcanos in Alaska. Stay safe and warm.
Hi Jessie-That is quite a pic. I'm glad I don't live there. I have heard it is beautiful there and people do take cruises there. Have a great weekend
Okay, this has to be the last straw!! Blizzards, sub freezing temps, bears and now this? When in the hell are you coming home??? ;0)
Stock the fridge my friend and don't forget the "Goose" just in case. Keep us informed and stay safe.
Jesse, keep us posted. How scary. I'll be thinking and worrying about you so take good care my friend.
That is pretty scary...we do live on a very active planet...but that seems way to close to some of the action! I'm sending you all a prayer of protection!
Hi Jessie,
Oh my gosh, I haven't heard anything at all about this. I've been away for a few days and have read or watched much on the news. BTW, I also read Jo's comment, very scary!
I hope the best for all of you guys.
Jesse,
You, guys, have more than your fair share of meteorological troubles, and earthquake is an unwanted extra,
Just e prepared
Michael - Seems as though we're a planet in constant motion.
Nannette - 21 would be a heat wave! :) An eruption would be a serious mess, to say the least. We're hoping that doesn't happen.
Don - You and me both my friend. She'll be settled by August... so pack you 'chute and come on up.
Laura - You're welcome. Read away... let's just hope for no eruptions!
Kelly - We have several active volcanoes in Alaska... We're part of the Pacific Ring of Fire.
Gary - We've been listening to reports for about a week... it's certainly escalated in the past few days though.
Paddy - Will do! We're still hoping she'll rumble and shake, but not erupt.
Mel - I'll take snow, cold, bears and even the occasional earthquake vs. a tornado and snakes. Eeeek, I hate snakes. haha
Elizabeth - That's exactly what it looks like. The eruption in '89 was a disaster. I'm hoping we don't have a repeat.
Leesa - Right now NOAA is projecting the winds will carry the particulate matter from the eruption south/southeast, which is away from us.
Jo - So far so good for us.. winds should carry the debris field away from us, but it will be a nightmare for those folks on the Kenai Peninsula.. and possibly Anchorage. Your better half is much closer than we are... We're saying a prayer!
JL - It really does make one helluva mess... not to mention the health risks and damage to buildings and cars, etc.
Randy - Every time mother nature gets a little wonky we definitely think of heading south. haha Then summer comes and we forget all about it.
Doreen - I haven't seen a hurricane.. yet, but I have seen some pretty nasty storms in Prince William Sound that almost looked like one.
Sharon - Despite Mother Natures occasional emotional outburst it really is a gorgeous place to call home!
Audrey - haha.. I know, I know. What can I say.. we're just nuts!
Cameron - We're loaded with Goose, canned hams and batteries. haha. Whatcha wanna bet we run out of Goose before anythng else? Note to self: Get more Goose.
Susan Darlin' - We'll be fine unless the wind turns to the north and then the boss and I might need to run away from home. Want some visitors?
Mara - Thank you! Prayers are much appreciated.
Lynda - We're far enough away to most likely be safe. I was in Anchorage the last time she erupted and do not want to repeat that experience.
Jon - We're as prepared as anyone can be...and I agree, Mother Nature has given us some grief this year. Maybe that will mean a glorious summer?
OMG Jesse ... this is real??? Well, it sounds like you are as ready as you can be and you have a good attitude. Say a prayer to stay safe. I totally get why you live with the "disadvantages" up there ... it is truly a paradise and a gift.
Hi Jesse.,
Each area has its own natural beauty and "challenges"--a little bad with the good?
Hi, Sharon - Yep, this is for real. I don't expect it to happen, but we're prepared for anything that would come down the pike, including extended power outages, etc. Unless the wind shifts, we probably won't see a great deal of fallout... I hope.
Cynthia - Yes, Ma'am. The beauty of Alaska is worth putting up with a sometimes temperamental Mother Nature. :)
I had not even heard about this on the nightly news nor the net. It seems I am online reading, writing, and doing research constantly so I don't know how I missed an event this big. I hope you and yours are safe.