KVERT reported that during 15-22 June, seismic activity at Kliuchevskoi continued above background levels and a thermal anomaly in the crater was detected on satellite imagery. Based on video and visual observations, ash plumes rose to an altitude of 5 km (16,400 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NE on 15 June. Clouds inhibited observations on other days. Plumes were seen drifting N, W, and S on satellite imagery during 15-22 June.

A large ash cloud, about 300 km in diameter, was observed near Yelizovo airport during 20-21 June. Based on atmospheric profiles, the plumes rose to estimated altitudes of 6.5-9.5 km (21,300-31,200 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SE.

On 25 June, KVERT reported that seismic activity decreased during 22-24 June. Ash plumes were visible on satellite imagery drifting multiple directions. The plumes rose to estimated altitudes of 5.5-6.5 km (18,000-21,300 ft) a.s.l. based on atmospheric profiles. A thermal anomaly continued to be detected in the crater. The Level of Concern Color Code was lowered to Orange.

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)