Volcanic ash from Ruiz observed at 7 000 m (23 000 feet) a.s.l., Colombia

Volcanic ash from Ruiz in Colombia was observed at 7 000 m (23 000 feet) above sea level at 05:10 UTC on October 31, 2025. The advisory was issued by the Washington VAAC at 05:38 UTC.

According to the VAAC advisory, volcanic ash emissions were reported but were not visible in satellite imagery due to meteorological clouds. The ash cloud was reported at a maximum altitude of 7 000 m (23 000 feet), with movement and height based on a Volcanic Observatory Notice for Aviation (VONA) and numerical weather prediction models. The forecast indicates little change in the ash cloud’s extent over the next 6 hours. No Aviation Color Code was stated in this advisory.

The Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report does not include a recent summary for Ruiz for the period provided. No up-to-date GVP field or summary is available for this event.

Nevado del Ruiz is a large stratovolcano located in the Andes of central Colombia. Known hazards include explosive eruptions, ashfall, pyroclastic flows, lava domes, and lethal lahars, which have impacted settlements such as Armero in the past. The volcano poses risks to populations in nearby towns including Armero-Guayabal, Manizales, and Mariquita, all within approximately 30 km (19 miles) of the summit.