High-level eruption at Sheveluch volcano, Russia
A strong eruption began at Sheveluch volcano, Kamchatka, Russia, around 18:00 UTC on May 16, 2025, producing a plume of ash and sulfur dioxide up to 12.2 km (40 000 feet) above sea level, according to the Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC). The Aviation Color Code remains at Orange.
Satellite image of ash plume produced by Sheveluch volcano at 19:00 UTC on May 16, 2025. Credit: JMA/Himawari-9, RAMMB/CIRA, The Watchers
Satellite observations from the Kamchatka Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT) indicated that the ash cloud reached an altitude of 8.5 km (28 000 feet) above sea level (a.s.l.) and drifted approximately 200 km (120 miles) northeast by 21:00 UTC on May 16.
KVERT reported continued extrusive-effusive activity at the ‘Young Sheveluch’ volcano and extrusive eruption of the ‘300 years RAS’ lava dome. The growth of the lava domes is accompanied by vigorous gas-steam emissions. The Aviation Color Code remains at Orange since December 2006.
According to data provided by the Tokyo VAAC, the ash plume produced by the eruption was estimated to have risen up to 12.2 km (40 000 feet) a.s.l., with some portions obscured by meteorological cloud.
A new volcanic cloud was detected at 00:20 UTC on May 17, rising to an altitude of 8.5 km (28 000 feet) a.s.l.
A Volcanic Ash Advisory issued by the Tokyo VAAC at 06:00 UTC on May 17 confirmed continuous volcanic ash emissions reaching 12.2 km (40 000 feet) a.s.l.
Sheveluch is among the most active volcanoes in Kamchatka, exhibiting frequent explosive activity, including ash plumes, pyroclastic flows, and lava dome growth in recent months.
It’s a glacier-covered stratovolcano that poses several hazards, including ashfall, pyroclastic flows, and lahars, potentially affecting nearby areas. The closest populated areas are Klyuchi, located approximately 50 km (31 miles) to the south-southwest, and Ust-Kamchatsk to the east. Both locations could be affected by ashfall depending on wind conditions and eruption intensity.
The volcano has a history of major eruptions reaching Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) levels 4 and 5, with activity dating back to 8 500 BCE.
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