Katmai
- United States
- Alaska
- Stratovolcano
- 1912 CE
- Country
- Volcanic Region
- Primary Volcano Type
- Last Known Eruption
- 58.28°N
- 154.963°W
- 2047 m
6714 ft - 312170
- Latitude
- Longitude
- Summit
Elevation - Volcano
Number
- Latest Activity Reports
- Weekly Reports
- Bulletin Reports
- Synonyms & Subfeatures
- General Information
- Eruptive History
- Deformation History
- Emission History
- Photo Gallery
- Smithsonian Samples
- Affiliated Sites
Most Recent Weekly Report: 7 December-13 December 2016 
Cite this Report
According to NASA's Earth Observatory, a Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) satellite image acquired on 2 December of the Katmai area showed a plume of re-suspended ash which had been deposited during the 1912 eruption.
Source: NASA Earth Observatory
Most Recent Bulletin Report: September 2003 (BGVN 28:09) Cite this Report
Strong winds resuspend old ash deposits, causing a large plume and distant ashfall
According to the National Weather Service, strong winds in the Katmai area on 21 September 2003 picked up old, loose volcanic ash and carried it E. Reports of minor ashfall were reported from Kodiak Island, ~ 100 km from Katmai. This phenomenon was not the result of volcanic activity and no eruption occurred.
Andrea Steffke of the Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska Fairbanks, reported a relatively large ash cloud observed in satellite images coming from the Katmai area on 21 September 2003. The cloud was first seen in satellite imagery (AVHRR, GOES, and MODIS) extending ~ 69 km to the SE. The maximum temperature difference observed was -1.46°C. Dave Schneider of the Alaska Volcano Observatory reported on 22 September 2003 that at its greatest extent the cloud was detectable for ~ 400 km. It was initially observed by an overflying (high-altitude) jet, and subsequently identified in split-window images from AVHRR, MODIS, and GOES satellites. Additional pilot reports placed the cloud top at ~ 2.1 km altitude.
The Katmai Group of volcanoes are seismically monitored by AVO, so it was possible to quickly confirm that an eruption had not taken place. SIGMETS were issued by the Alaska Aviation Weather Unit (AAWU) for this event and an AVO Information Release was distributed that indicated that this cloud of re-suspended ash was potentially hazardous to aircraft. This event is unusual in its intensity and extent of transport. The Katmai region is characterized by frequent high winds that can be strong enough to re-suspend large (several centimeters in size) pumice fragments, yet these events typically don't produce large, extensive airborne ash clouds.
Information Contacts: Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO), a cooperative program of the U.S. Geological Survey, 4200 University Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508-4667, USA (URL: http://www.avo.alaska.edu/), the Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska, PO Box 757320, Fairbanks, AK 99775-7320, USA, and the Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys, 794 University Ave., Suite 200, Fairbanks, AK 99709, USA.
Weekly Reports - Index
2016: December
2011: May
2010: November
2005: November
2003: September
7 December-13 December 2016 Cite this Report
According to NASA's Earth Observatory, a Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) satellite image acquired on 2 December of the Katmai area showed a plume of re-suspended ash which had been deposited during the 1912 eruption.
Source: NASA Earth Observatory
11 May-17 May 2011 Cite this Report
Based on analysis of satellite imagery, pilot observations, KVERT reports, and information from AVO, the Anchorage VAAC reported that on 11 May strong winds in the Katmai area re-suspended loose ash deposited during the 1912 eruption. The Volcano Alert Level remained at Normal and the Aviation Color Code remained at Green.
Source: Anchorage Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)
24 November-30 November 2010 Cite this Report
Based on analysis of satellite imagery and information from AVO, the Anchorage VAAC reported that on 29 November strong winds in the Katmai area picked up loose ash deposited during the 1912 eruption and carried it SE over Kodiak Island. The Volcano Alert Level remained at Normal and the Aviation Color Code remained at Green.
Source: Anchorage Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)
2 November-8 November 2005 Cite this Report
Strong winds in the Katmai area picked up loose ash deposited during the 1912 eruption and carried it E over Kodiak Island. AVO recorded a large area of resuspended ash on satellite imagery. The National Weather Service estimated that the top of the plume was at 1.5 km (5,000 ft) a.s.l. Katmai remained at Concern Color Code Green.
Source: US Geological Survey Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO)
17 September-23 September 2003 Cite this Report
According to the National Weather Service, strong winds on 21 September in the Katmai area picked up old, loose volcanic ash and carried it E over Kodiak Island. AVO received reports that some of this material fell in Kodiak. This was not the result of volcanic activity and no eruption occurred. Re-suspended volcanic ash should be considered as hazardous as primary volcanic ash, and a threat to aircraft. The volcanoes in the Katmai cluster remained at Concern Color Code Green.
Source: US Geological Survey Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO)
Bulletin Reports - Index
Reports are organized chronologically and indexed below by Month/Year (Publication Volume:Number), and include a one-line summary. Click on the index link or scroll down to read the reports.
Information is preliminary and subject to change. All times are local (unless otherwise noted)
September 2003 (BGVN 28:09) Cite this Report
Strong winds resuspend old ash deposits, causing a large plume and distant ashfall
According to the National Weather Service, strong winds in the Katmai area on 21 September 2003 picked up old, loose volcanic ash and carried it E. Reports of minor ashfall were reported from Kodiak Island, ~ 100 km from Katmai. This phenomenon was not the result of volcanic activity and no eruption occurred.
Andrea Steffke of the Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska Fairbanks, reported a relatively large ash cloud observed in satellite images coming from the Katmai area on 21 September 2003. The cloud was first seen in satellite imagery (AVHRR, GOES, and MODIS) extending ~ 69 km to the SE. The maximum temperature difference observed was -1.46°C. Dave Schneider of the Alaska Volcano Observatory reported on 22 September 2003 that at its greatest extent the cloud was detectable for ~ 400 km. It was initially observed by an overflying (high-altitude) jet, and subsequently identified in split-window images from AVHRR, MODIS, and GOES satellites. Additional pilot reports placed the cloud top at ~ 2.1 km altitude.
The Katmai Group of volcanoes are seismically monitored by AVO, so it was possible to quickly confirm that an eruption had not taken place. SIGMETS were issued by the Alaska Aviation Weather Unit (AAWU) for this event and an AVO Information Release was distributed that indicated that this cloud of re-suspended ash was potentially hazardous to aircraft. This event is unusual in its intensity and extent of transport. The Katmai region is characterized by frequent high winds that can be strong enough to re-suspend large (several centimeters in size) pumice fragments, yet these events typically don't produce large, extensive airborne ash clouds.
Information Contacts: Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO), a cooperative program of the U.S. Geological Survey, 4200 University Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508-4667, USA (URL: http://www.avo.alaska.edu/), the Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska, PO Box 757320, Fairbanks, AK 99775-7320, USA, and the Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys, 794 University Ave., Suite 200, Fairbanks, AK 99709, USA.
This compilation of synonyms and subsidiary features may not be comprehensive. Features are organized into four major categories: Cones, Craters, Domes, and Thermal Features. Synonyms of features appear indented below the primary name. In some cases additional feature type, elevation, or location details are provided.
Domes |
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| Feature Name | Feature Type | Elevation | Latitude | Longitude |
| Horseshoe Island | Dome | |||
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Eruptive History
There is data available for 6 Holocene eruptive periods.
| Start Date | Stop Date | Eruption Certainty | VEI | Evidence | Activity Area or Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| [ 1931 May 8 ] | [ 1931 Jul ] | Discredited | |||
| [ 1929 Dec ] | [ Unknown ] | Discredited | |||
| [ 1921 Nov 27 ] | [ Unknown ] | Discredited | |||
| [ 1920 Mar 9 ] | [ Unknown ] | Discredited | |||
| [ 1914 Jul ] | [ Unknown ] | Discredited | |||
| 1912 Jun 6 | 1912 Jul 21 (in or after) | Confirmed | 3 | Historical Observations |
Deformation History
There is no Deformation History data available for Katmai.
Emission History
There is no Emissions History data available for Katmai.
Photo Gallery
| Katmai caldera, a collapse feature formed during the catastrophic eruption of the nearby Novarupta vent in June 1912 is seen here in an aerial view from the NE. The steep-walled, 1.5-km-wide Katmai caldera truncates a formerly 2290-m-high cluster of overlapping stratovolcanoes. The caldera is partially filled by a blue-green lake that is about 250 m deep and rising. Beyond the caldera are the multiple peaks of Trident volcano; Mageik volcano is the snow-and-ice-covered cone on the skyline. Photo by Chris Nye, 1991 (Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys, Alaska Volcano Observatory). |
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| Katmai caldera, seen here from its west rim, is a 3 x 4.5 km wide caldera that formed in 1912. Little if any eruptive activity took place at Katmai itself, which prior to collapse was a complex of 4 small overlapping stratovolcanoes. Hydraulic draining of magma away from Katmai to Novarupta volcano (10 km to the west) during the catastrophic 1912 eruption caused the collapse of the unsupported summit(s) of Katmai. The 250-m-deep caldera lake covers a small lava dome and tuff ring that were erupted on the floor of the caldera. Photo by Game McGimsey, 1990 (Alaska Volcano Observatory, U.S. Geological Survey). |
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Smithsonian Sample Collections Database
The following 76 samples associated with this volcano can be found in the Smithsonian's NMNH Department of Mineral Sciences collections, and may be availble for research (contact the Rock and Ore Collections Manager). Catalog number links will open a window with more information.
| Catalog Number | Sample Description | Lava Source | Collection Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| NMNH 116509-1 | Glass | -- | 18 Aug 1923 |
| NMNH 116509-10 | Andesite | -- | 3 Sep 1923 |
| NMNH 116509-11 | Glass | -- | 10 Oct 1923 |
| NMNH 116509-12 | Basalt | -- | -- |
| NMNH 116509-13 | Glass | -- | 1 Jul 1923 |
| NMNH 116509-14 | Basalt | -- | 27 Jul 1923 |
| NMNH 116509-15 | Dike Rock | -- | 8 Jun 1923 |
| NMNH 116509-16 | Obsidian | -- | 10 Jul 1923 |
| NMNH 116509-17 | Rhyolite | -- | 5 Jul 1923 |
| NMNH 116509-18 | Tuff | -- | -- |
| NMNH 116509-19 | Basalt | -- | 10 Oct 1923 |
| NMNH 116509-2 | Syenite | -- | 6 Jul 1923 |
| NMNH 116509-20 | Obsidian | -- | 10 Jul 1923 |
| NMNH 116509-21 | Granite | -- | 6 Sep 1923 |
| NMNH 116509-22 | Lava | -- | 14 Jul 1923 |
| NMNH 116509-23 | Quartz Porphyry | -- | 4 Aug 1923 |
| NMNH 116509-24 | Glass | -- | 2 Aug 1923 |
| NMNH 116509-25 | Dacite | -- | 10 Oct 1923 |
| NMNH 116509-26 | Rhyolite | -- | 1 Jul 1923 |
| NMNH 116509-3 | Pumice | -- | 19 Jul 1923 |
| NMNH 116509-4 | Glass | -- | 11 Jul 1923 |
| NMNH 116509-5 | Quartz Porphyry | -- | 20 Aug 1923 |
| NMNH 116509-6 | Andesite | -- | 10 Aug 1923 |
| NMNH 116509-7 | Trachyte | -- | 26 Jul 1923 |
| NMNH 116509-8 | Tuff | -- | 2 Aug 1923 |
| NMNH 116509-9 | Pumice | -- | 13 Aug 1923 |
| NMNH 116550-1 | Pumice | -- | 25 Aug 1923 |
| NMNH 116550-10 | Granite | -- | -- |
| NMNH 116550-2 | Pumice | -- | 25 Aug 1923 |
| NMNH 116550-3 | Pumice | -- | 25 Aug 1923 |
| NMNH 116550-4 | Tuffaceous Sand | -- | 8 Jul 1923 |
| NMNH 116550-5 | Tuffaceous Sand | -- | 30 Apr 1935 |
| NMNH 116550-6 | Pumice | -- | -- |
| NMNH 116550-7 | Pumice | -- | -- |
| NMNH 116550-8 | Pumice | -- | -- |
| NMNH 116550-9 | Pumice | -- | -- |
| NMNH 116660-4 | Dacitic Pumice | -- | -- |
| NMNH 117259-1 | Fumarole Deposit | -- | 30 Jun 1919 |
| NMNH 117259-10 | Fumarole Deposit | -- | 4 Jul 1919 |
| NMNH 117259-11 | Fumarole Deposit | -- | 4 Jul 1919 |
| NMNH 117259-12 | Fumarole Deposit | -- | 6 Jul 1919 |
| NMNH 117259-13 | Fumarole Deposit | -- | 4 Jul 1919 |
| NMNH 117259-14 | Fumarole Deposit | -- | 5 Jul 1919 |
| NMNH 117259-15 | Fumarole Deposit | -- | 5 Jul 1919 |
| NMNH 117259-16 | Fumarole Deposit | -- | -- |
| NMNH 117259-17 | Fumarole Deposit | -- | 14 Aug 1919 |
| NMNH 117259-18 | Fumarole Deposit | -- | 14 Aug 1919 |
| NMNH 117259-19 | Fumarole Deposit | -- | 11 Aug 1919 |
| NMNH 117259-2 | Fumarole Deposit | -- | 15 Aug 1919 |
| NMNH 117259-25 | Fumarole Deposit | -- | -- |
| NMNH 117259-26 | Fumarole Deposit | -- | 9 Aug 1919 |
| NMNH 117259-27 | Fumarole Deposit | -- | 9 Aug 1919 |
| NMNH 117259-28 | Fumarole Deposit | -- | 9 Aug 1919 |
| NMNH 117259-29 | Fumarole Deposit | -- | 9 Aug 1919 |
| NMNH 117259-3 | Fumarole Deposit | -- | 12 Aug 1919 |
| NMNH 117259-30 | Fumarole Deposit | -- | 10 Aug 1919 |
| NMNH 117259-31 | Fumarole Deposit | -- | 8 Aug 1919 |
| NMNH 117259-32 | Fumarole Deposit | -- | 11 Aug 1919 |
| NMNH 117259-33 | Fumarole Deposit | -- | 11 Aug 1919 |
| NMNH 117259-34 | Fumarole Deposit | -- | 12 Aug 1919 |
| NMNH 117259-35 | Fumarole Deposit | -- | 12 Aug 1919 |
| NMNH 117259-36 | Fumarole Deposit | -- | 13 Aug 1919 |
| NMNH 117259-37 | Fumarole Deposit | -- | 15 Aug 1919 |
| NMNH 117259-38 | Fumarole Deposit | -- | 14 Aug 1919 |
| NMNH 117259-39 | Fumarole Deposit | -- | 14 Aug 1919 |
| NMNH 117259-4 | Fumarole Deposit | -- | 12 Aug 1919 |
| NMNH 117259-40 | Fumarole Deposit | -- | -- |
| NMNH 117259-41 | Fumarole Deposit | -- | 14 Aug 1919 |
| NMNH 117259-42 | Fumarole Deposit | -- | 14 Aug 1919 |
| NMNH 117259-43 | Fumarole Deposit | -- | 8 Jul 1919 |
| NMNH 117259-44 | Fumarole Deposit | -- | -- |
| NMNH 117259-5 | Fumarole Deposit | -- | 12 Aug 1919 |
| NMNH 117259-6 | Fumarole Deposit | -- | 26 Jul 1919 |
| NMNH 117259-7 | Fumarole Deposit | -- | 2 Jul 1919 |
| NMNH 117259-8 | Fumarole Deposit | -- | 4 Jul 1919 |
| NMNH 117259-9 | Fumarole Deposit | -- | 4 Jul 1919 |
Affiliated Sites
|
WOVOdat
Single Volcano View Temporal Evolution of Unrest Side by Side Volcanoes |
WOVOdat is a database of volcanic unrest; instrumentally and visually recorded changes in seismicity, ground deformation, gas emission, and other parameters from their normal baselines. It is sponsored by the World Organization of Volcano Observatories (WOVO) and presently hosted at the Earth Observatory of Singapore. |
| Large Eruptions of Katmai | Information about large Quaternary eruptions (VEI >= 4) is cataloged in the Large Magnitude Explosive Volcanic Eruptions (LaMEVE) database of the Volcano Global Risk Identification and Analysis Project (VOGRIPA). |
| MIROVA | Middle InfraRed Observation of Volcanic Activity (MIROVA) is a near real time volcanic hot-spot detection system based on the analysis of MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) data. In particular, MIROVA uses the Middle InfraRed Radiation (MIR), measured over target volcanoes, in order to detect, locate and measure the heat radiation sourced from volcanic activity. |
| MODVOLC Thermal Alerts | Using infrared satellite Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data, scientists at the Hawai'i Institute of Geophysics and Planetology, University of Hawai'i, developed an automated system called MODVOLC to map thermal hot-spots in near real time. For each MODIS image, the algorithm automatically scans each 1 km pixel within it to check for high-temperature hot-spots. When one is found the date, time, location, and intensity are recorded. MODIS looks at every square km of the Earth every 48 hours, once during the day and once during the night, and the presence of two MODIS sensors in space allows at least four hot-spot observations every two days. Each day updated global maps are compiled to display the locations of all hot spots detected in the previous 24 hours. There is a drop-down list with volcano names which allow users to 'zoom-in' and examine the distribution of hot-spots at a variety of spatial scales. |
| EarthChem | EarthChem develops and maintains databases, software, and services that support the preservation, discovery, access and analysis of geochemical data, and facilitate their integration with the broad array of other available earth science parameters. EarthChem is operated by a joint team of disciplinary scientists, data scientists, data managers and information technology developers who are part of the NSF-funded data facility Integrated Earth Data Applications (IEDA). IEDA is a collaborative effort of EarthChem and the Marine Geoscience Data System (MGDS). |
