The Alaska Volcano Observatory counts that we have now had 17 major eruptions (ash clouds of more than 25,000 ft) of Mt. Redoubt over the week, with many minor eruptions (ash clouds of 25,000 ft or less). The highest ash cloud reached around 65,000 ft, so far. To give you a reference point, Mt. St. Helens erupted and sent up an ash cloud between 45,000 and 60,000 ft. (Of course St. Helens threw out more ash in the one time event than Redoubt has in any one time eruption...so far). The eruption picture is from Krista Pitsch who just took less than 2 hours ago.
Where we live, Kenai, we have seen very little ash (only a trace amount) because of the direction of the wind so far...but areas around us have seen ash up to 1/2 or an inch. We have had a few ash advisories (one is in effect right now even) which has prompted me to change the oil and air filters in our cars. I also put panty hose over the air intake and covered the car that we have outside with a tarp. The school sign with ash picture is from www.adn.com.
Did you know that ash clouds can cause static and even lightning storms? Well, they did last night. What a show...too bad I went to sleep early. The lightning photos were taken last night by Bretwood Higman during two separate eruptions.
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