Volcanic ash emissions at Santa Maria volcano observed at 4 300 m (14 000 feet) a.s.l., Guatemala

Volcanic ash from Santa Maria volcano in Guatemala was observed at 4 300 m (14 000 feet) above sea level at 14:10 UTC on April 10, 2026. The advisory was issued by the Washington VAAC at 14:41 UTC on the same day.

According to the VAAC advisory, occasional ash emissions were seen in webcam and satellite imagery, moving west at a distance of approximately 37 km (23 miles) from the summit. The ash cloud altitude was reported at 4 300 m (14 000 feet) above sea level. No Aviation Color Code was stated in this advisory. Numerical Weather Prediction models and recent activity were used to inform the ash height and forecast movement for the next 12 hours.

Recent reports from the Smithsonian/USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report note that high levels of ongoing eruptive activity have continued at Santa Maria’s Santiaguito dome complex during March 26 to April 1, 2026. Lava extrusion at Caliente dome was observed, with explosions generating gas-and-ash plumes rising up to 900 m (2 950 feet) above the dome, and minor pyroclastic flows and block avalanches occurring on the flanks.

Santa Maria is a large stratovolcano located in the western highlands of Guatemala. The volcano is known for its Santiaguito lava dome complex, which formed after the major 1902 eruption. Hazards include ashfall, pyroclastic flows, lava flows, and lahars. Populations in nearby communities, including the city of Quetzaltenango, approximately 10 km (6.2 miles) away, are at risk from volcanic hazards during large eruptive episodes.