Sporadic ash puffs at Sabancaya volcano observed at 7 600 m (25 000 feet) a.s.l., Peru

Volcanic ash from Sabancaya in Peru was observed at 7 600 m (25 000 feet) above sea level at 11:50 UTC on March 31, 2026. The advisory was issued by the Buenos Aires VAAC at 12:35 UTC on the same day.

According to the VAAC advisory, sporadic ash puffs were detected in satellite imagery, with the ash cloud reaching up to 7 600 m (25 000 feet) above sea level. The ash was moving southwest at approximately 19 km/h (12 mph). Satellite observation was partially obscured by weather clouds, and webcam confirmation was not possible due to cloud cover. No Aviation Color Code was stated in this advisory.

The Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report for March 11–18, 2026, noted continued eruptive activity at Sabancaya. During that period, daily gas, steam, and ash plumes rose as high as 1 800 m (5 900 feet) above the summit, with an explosion on March 18 generating an ash plume up to 2 000 m (6 600 feet) above the summit. The Alert Level remained at Orange and the public was advised to remain outside a 12 km (7.5 miles) radius from the summit.

Sabancaya is an active stratovolcano in southern Peru, part of the Andean volcanic arc. It is known for frequent explosive activity that produces ashfall, pyroclastic flows, and lahars. The nearest population centers at risk are the towns of Chivay and Yanque, both located within 20 km (12 miles) of the volcano, where ashfall and related hazards are of concern during eruptive episodes.