Continuous ash emissions from Sheveluch volcano reach 8 800 m (29 000 feet) a.s.l., Russia

Volcanic ash from Sheveluch volcano in Russia was observed at 8 800 m (29 000 feet) above sea level at 23:20 UTC on March 31, 2026. The advisory was issued by the Tokyo VAAC at 00:00 UTC on April 1, 2026.

According to satellite imagery (including Himawari-9), continuous volcanic ash emissions were detected at altitudes up to 8 800 m (29 000 feet) above sea level. The ash cloud was moving east at a speed of 28 km/h (17 mph). No Aviation Color Code was stated in this advisory.

The Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report for March 12–18, 2026, notes ongoing eruptive activity at Sheveluch. Daily thermal anomalies were visible in satellite imagery. Explosions during March 11–12 generated ash plumes as high as 8 000 m (19 700 feet) that drifted as far as 2 410 km (1 500 miles) east and northeast. Explosions on March 16 produced ash plumes up to 11 000 m (36 100 feet) drifting over 1 800 km (1 100 miles) east. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange.

Sheveluch is a large stratovolcano located in Kamchatka, Russia. Known hazards include ashfall, pyroclastic flows, and lava domes collapse. The nearest population center is Klyuchi, approximately 50 km (31 miles) to the south, which could be impacted by fallout during major eruptions.