March 23, 2009 Eruption of Redoubt

Alaska's Mt. Redoubt began eruption on March 22 after seismic events increased. Ash plumes rose to an altitude of 18.2 km (60,000 ft) a.s.l., with the bulk of the ash volume between 7.6-9.1 km (25,000-30,000 ft) a.s.l. Ashfall was reported in areas 190-250 km NE. Minor damage has been reported however, the eruption sent a mudflow down the Drift River valley that was detected by seismic instruments at the Alaska Volcano Observatory. An evacuated Chevron oil storage facility containing six million gallons of Cook Inlet crude is situated near the mouth of the Drift River where it empties into Cook Inlet. The dike protecting the facility performed as it was designed, however, there is mud around the hanger and some water appears to have made it into some of the industrial buildings. Other minor damage to car engines due to ashfall and many flights were canceled affecting the local tourism industry.