Volcanic ash from Sheveluch volcano observed at 9 100 m (30 000 feet) a.s.l., Russia

Volcanic ash from Sheveluch volcano in Russia was observed at 9 100 m (30 000 feet) above sea level at 17:50 UTC on April 6, 2026. The advisory was issued by Anchorage VAAC at 17:50 UTC.

Satellite imagery from Himawari, GOES, and POES confirmed the continuously observed volcanic ash cloud. The observed ash cloud altitude was from surface level up to 9 100 m (30 000 feet). The ash cloud was moving north at 56 km/h (35 mph). No Aviation Color Code was stated in this advisory.

According to the Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, Sheveluch exhibited continuing eruptive activity as of late March 2026. Notably, explosions during March 19–20 and March 22 generated ash plumes reaching 9 500–11 600 m (31 200–38 100 feet) above sea level and drifting over considerable distances. A new dome lobe continued to grow along the north part of the main lava dome, and a thermal anomaly was identified in satellite images on most days. The Aviation Color Code was reported as Orange.

Sheveluch is one of Kamchatka’s largest and most active stratovolcanoes, with a history of explosive eruptions, ashfall, pyroclastic flows, and lava dome growth. The main hazards are ashfall and pyroclastic flows, with nearby settlements such as Klyuchi (about 50 km [31 miles] to the south-southwest) at risk from larger eruptions.