Redoubt fumerole doubles overnight.

[Blue_In_AK]

http://www.adn.com/news/alaska/story/674643.html

STEAMING: Drift glacier is "sort of falling apart," a research geologist says.

By DAN JOLING
The Associated Press

Published: January 31st, 2009 12:53 PM
Last Modified: January 31st, 2009 11:23 PM

Geologists on Saturday spotted expanded holes in the glacier that clings to the north side of Mount Redoubt, and rivulets of water streaming down its side, as they closely monitored the volcano for a new eruption.

Scientists with the Alaska Volcano Observatory on Friday flew close to Drift Glacier and saw vigorous steaming emitted from a football field-size area on the north side of the mountain. By Saturday, they had confirmed the area was a fumarole, an opening in the earth that emits gases and steam, and that it had doubled in size overnight.

The area is at 7,100 feet, just below a dome that formed the last time Redoubt blew in 1990, said research geologist Kristi Wallace.

Observers also saw water streaming down Drift Glacier, indicating heat from magma is reaching higher elevations of the mountain.

"The glacier is sort of falling apart in the upper part," Wallace said.

The signs of heat add to concerns that an eruption is near, which could send an ash cloud about 100 miles northeast toward Anchorage, the state's largest city, or onto even closer communities on the Kenai Peninsula across Cook Inlet.

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[Adsos Letter]

1. Our thoughts are with you Blue...

I tried watching the Redoubt webcam for a bit between 5-5:30 this evening, but couldn't really tell what I was seeing...just looked like a valley...

[Blue_In_AK]

2. Thanks, Adsos.

I wish it would just get on with it or else settle back down. It doesn't really worry me, but it's just kind of unnerving waiting for something to happen.

[Adsos Letter]

3. That makes sense...

sort of the same when we get earthquake swarms down here...sort of...

Keep yer cameras ready! :D

[Hekate]

4. Good luck to all of you, Blue. nt

[grannie4peace]

5. are you close to redoubt?

[Blue_In_AK]

6. Here's a map.

It's about 100-150 miles from here. When it blew in 1989-1990, it was kind of a mess. Volcanic ash is actually more like ground up glass and can be pretty disastrous on windshields, etc. (and lungs if you're not careful). Whether or not it becomes an issue for Anchorage depends on the prevailing winds.