Continuous ash emissions at Sheveluch volcano reach 7 900 m (26 000 feet) a.s.l., Russia

Volcanic ash from Sheveluch in Russia was continuously observed at 7 900 m (26 000 feet) above sea level at 23:00 UTC on March 29, 2026. The advisory was issued by the Anchorage VAAC at 23:00 UTC.

The ash cloud altitude was reported as a surface to FL260, corresponding to 7 900 m (26 000 feet) a.s.l. in satellite imagery. The continuing presence of volcanic ash was confirmed by GOES satellite data and pilot reports (PIREP). No Aviation Color Code was stated in this advisory. The forecast ash cloud area covered significant portions of the region for the next 6 and 12 hours.

According to the Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, Sheveluch maintained ongoing eruptive activity from 11 to 18 March 2026, with daily thermal anomalies and ash plumes rising as high as 11 000 m (36 100 feet) a.s.l. and drifting thousands of kilometers mainly eastward. The Aviation Color Code during that week remained at Orange.

Sheveluch is a large, active stratovolcano located on the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia. Known hazards include ashfall, pyroclastic flows, and lahars. The nearest sizeable population is the town of Klyuchi, about 50 km (31 miles) southwest of the volcano, which could be impacted during major eruptive events. Aviation routes crossing the region are also at risk from high-altitude ash clouds.