Sporadic ash puffs at Sabancaya volcano reach 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 17:50 UTC on March 31, 2026. The advisory was issued by Buenos Aires VAAC at 18:35 UTC on the same day.

The ash cloud reached an altitude between the surface and FL250, which corresponds to 7 600 m (25 000 feet) above sea level. Ash was reported moving south at an approximate speed of 19 km/h (12 mph). However, volcanic ash was not detected in satellite imagery nor on the webcam due to weather cloud cover at the time of the report. The last observed ash puff was at 15:10 UTC, moving southwest. No Aviation Color Code was stated in this advisory.

According to the Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, Sabancaya showed ongoing eruptive activity during March 11-18, 2026. Ash plumes rose as high as 1.8 km (5 900 feet) above the summit, with an explosion generating an ash plume that reached 2 km (6 600 feet) above the summit. Seismic activity remained consistent, and an orange Alert Level was maintained, with the public advised to remain outside a 12 km (7.5 miles) radius from the summit.

Sabancaya is a stratovolcano located in southern Peru, part of the Andean volcanic belt. The main hazards from Sabancaya include ashfall, pyroclastic flows, and lava flows, which can impact communities such as Chivay and nearby villages situated within 20 km (12 miles) of the volcano. Ongoing eruptive activity frequently affects air quality and aviation in the region.