KVERT reported that during 22-29 June, seismic activity at Kliuchevskoi continued above background levels. Based on atmospheric profiles, ash plumes rose to estimated altitudes of 4.5-9.5 km (14,800-31,200 ft) a.s.l. and drifted in multiple directions during 21-24 and 28 June. A thermal anomaly continued to be detected in the crater on satellite imagery during 22-23 and 26-27 June. On 28 June, seismicity increased and indicated that an ash plume rose to an altitude of 9 km (30,000 ft) a.s.l. The Level of Concern Color Code was raised to Red.

Ash plumes were visible on satellite imagery drifting E more than 2,000 km on 29 June and drifting SW more than 900 km on 30 June. Based on video and visual observations, ash plumes rose to an altitude greater than 10 km (32,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted W on 30 June. Ash plumes were visible on satellite imagery drifting E. On 1 July, plumes drifted N.

Geological Summary. Klyuchevskoy (also spelled Kliuchevskoi) is Kamchatka's highest and most active volcano. Since its origin about 6000 years ago, the beautifully symmetrical, 4835-m-high basaltic stratovolcano has produced frequent moderate-volume explosive and effusive eruptions without major periods of inactivity. It rises above a saddle NE of sharp-peaked Kamen volcano and lies SE of the broad Ushkovsky massif. More than 100 flank eruptions have occurred during the past roughly 3000 years, with most lateral craters and cones occurring along radial fissures between the unconfined NE-to-SE flanks of the conical volcano between 500 m and 3600 m elevation. The morphology of the 700-m-wide summit crater has been frequently modified by historical eruptions, which have been recorded since the late-17th century. Historical eruptions 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)