KVERT reported that during 8-15 June, seismic activity at Kliuchevskoi continued above background levels and a thermal anomaly in the crater was detected on satellite imagery. Strombolian and Vulcanian activity at the summit crater, lava flows, and phreatic bursts at the SE flank of the volcano were observed on 8 and 13 June. Based on video and visual observations, ash plumes rose to altitudes of 7 km (23,000 ft) a.s.l. during 8-10 and 13 June and drifted E, SE, and NW. Ash plumes were visible on satellite imagery drifting multiple directions during 8-15 June.

KVERT reported that seismicity increased on 19 June at 1010. Beginning at 0400 on 20 June, ash plumes were visible on satellite imagery, drifting W. Based on atmospheric profiles, plume altitudes rose to an altitude of 6.5-7.5 km (21,300-24,600 ft) a.s.l. Ashfall was reported from Kozyrevsk village. The Level of Concern Color Code was raised to Red.

Geological Summary. Klyuchevskoy is the highest and most active volcano on the Kamchatka Peninsula. Since its origin about 6,000 years ago, this symmetrical, basaltic stratovolcano has produced frequent moderate-volume explosive and effusive eruptions without major periods of inactivity. It rises above a saddle NE of Kamen volcano and lies SE of the broad Ushkovsky massif. More than 100 flank eruptions have occurred during approximately the past 3,000 years, with most lateral craters and cones occurring along radial fissures between the unconfined NE-to-SE flanks of the conical volcano between 500 and 3,600 m elevation. Eruptions recorded since the late 17th century have resulted in frequent changes to the morphology of the 700-m-wide summit crater. These eruptions over the past 400 years have originated primarily from the summit crater, but have also included numerous major explosive and effusive eruptions from flank craters.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)