On June 3, 1997 an increase in earthquakes at Pavlof was evident. A steam plume rose 3,000 ft. above Pavlof.

Pavlof's last eruption was in September. The eruption began on September 16, 1996. Satellite images showed a hot spot near the cone while earthquakes showed a low level eruption. On the 24th, earthquake activity began to increase. This also showed that stronger eruptions were taking place. Eruptions sent plumes as high as 4,000 ft. above the summit of the volcano. Satellite images showed thin ash plumes extending as far as 30 miles from the volcano.

On October 18, earthquake activity at Pavlof showed a large increase in strenght of the eruptions. Scientists estimated that an eruption plume existed which was more than 25,000 ft. above sea level. By morning the next day earthquake activity had returned to the previous level. On the morning of November 4, 1996, eruptive activity at Pavlof once again increased dramatically. Ash plumes reached heights of 25,000 ft.

On December 27, 1996 Seismic activity showed strong eruptive activity. It was at this time that the seismic activity was at the highest level. In the afternoon, many bursts of ash and steam rose several hundred ft. above the volcano.

For further information visit the Alaska Volcano Observatory home page.