Augustine Volcano is one of the most active volcanos in North America, going through six eruptive periods during the past 115 years. Rising as a nearly perfect cone from the waters of Cook Inlet some 70 miles west-southwest of Homer, the mountain is seen by many but visited by few.

Getting there is probably the most difficult part of the climb. Thrashing though the bush on the west slopes to get to timberline is also very difficult. Pyroclastic flows have removed all vegetation from the north slopes all the way to the ocean, but hiking there from the west does take longer than the miserable bushwack. If you do start on the north, traverse toward the west to avoid rockfall from the lava dome north of the summit.

The upper slopes are quite steep. Your ice ax is required and crampons wouldn't hurt. By all means try to stick to the snow. The summit area is very unstable. Be careful!

Fumes from the lava dome can be toxic, so try to stay up wind. Don't venture into any melt caves near the summit. To do so could kill you!

Alaska Volcano Observatory's Augustine Activity Page

Based on the current level of activity at Augustine, AVO lowered the Level of Concern Color Code from ORANGE to YELLOW on April 28 , 2006.

Data and observations currently indicate that the growth of the summit lava dome and lava flows has stopped, or continues only at a very low rate. Seismic data show that rock fall and avalanche events are still occurring, but at a diminished level. Visual observations and satellite data show that there have not been any detectable changes at the summit over the last few weeks.

Despite the apparent cessation of lava dome growth, the new dome and lava flows are still highly unstable, and rock falls and avalanches are still occurring and may continue for several weeks or months. The north flank of the island is the area most susceptible to rock falls and avalanches, and the steep ends of the lava flows are also places where rock fall activity may continue. These areas are considered very hazardous. Small, dilute ash clouds produced by rock falls and avalanches may still develop, but these ash clouds are unlikely to extend beyond Augustine Island.

Some indicators suggest that magma is still present at shallow levels. AVO will continue to make volcanic gas measurements and recent measurements indicate that levels are still above background and likely indicate degassing of shallow magma. Weak thermal anomalies persist in satellite data, consistent with slow cooling of the lava dome and continued venting of hot gases.

Despite the volcano's current quiet state, renewed eruptive activity is possible. AVO expects that a renewal of explosive activity or lava extrusion would likely be preceded by increases in seismicity, gas output, and deformation.

Brief, unexpected explosions are still possible if hot gas and rocks interact with groundwater, but such explosions are unlikely to produce ash that would travel far beyond the island.

AVO continues to monitor Augustine closely and the observatory will remain staffed 24/7 until conditions at the volcano approach background levels.

Augustine Volcano is a 1260 m high (4134 ft) conical-shaped stratovolcano located on Augustine Island in southern Cook Inlet, about 290 km (180 mi) southwest of Anchorage, Alaska. Augustine is the most historically active volcano in the Cook Inlet region. Historical eruptions occurred in 1812, 1883, 1908, 1935, 1963-64, 1976, and 1986. These eruptions were primarily explosive events that produced volcanic ash clouds and pyroclastic flows. During the 1883 eruption, a volcanic rock avalanche occurred on the north flank of the volcano; it flowed into Cook Inlet and initiated a tsunami observed at Nanwalek, about 90 km to the east.

ABBREVIATED COLOR CODE KEY (contact AVO for complete description):
GREEN volcano is dormant; normal seismicity and fumarolic activity occurring
YELLOW volcano is restless; eruption may occur
ORANGE volcano is in eruption or eruption may occur at any time
RED significant eruption is occurring or explosive eruption expected at any time

VOLCANO INFORMATION ON THE INTERNET: http://www.avo.alaska.edu
RECORDING ON THE STATUS OF ALASKA'S VOLCANOES (907) 786-7478

Anchorage Daily News Article from December 14, 2005

Getting There

NOTE: As of December 13, 2005, aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 feet within 5 miles of Augustine Volcano.

The island formed by the volcano is uninhabited and accessible only by water or air. The easiest way to get there is to charter a float plane out of Homer. A large lagoon on the northwest side of the island forms a protected place to land. The surrounding ocean is normally too rough for small boats.

Maps and Other Links

Topozone Map (Note - due to repeated eruptions, the upper third of the mountain has changed a lot since the contours were derived from 1950s aerial photography)

USGS Alaska Volcano Observatory's Augustine Volcano Page

Red Tape

NOTE: As of December 13, 2005, aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 feet within 5 miles of Augustine Volcano.

Remote and without rules.

When To Climb

Early summer is by far the best time to attempt Augustine. Snow cover on the upper slopes is highly desirable. Steep cinders and wet ash are almost impossible to walk on. Your best chance for good weather is at that time as well.

Camping

Its been quite a few years since I was there, but there was a very small shack on the shore of the lagoon that offered good shelter. Camp anywhere you want, but be prepaired to get weathered in. Except for alder thickets, there is very little vegetation on the island in which to find shelter from the winds rolling in from the Gulf of Alaska. Beachcombing is great here!

Mountain Conditions

Augustine Web Cam (on the island)

Augustine Web Cam (from the mainland)

Aviation Report from the the National Weather Service (if you see MVRF or IFR in the text, don't go).

Alaska Weather Information

Anchorage Forecast Office
6930 Sand Lake Road
Anchorage, AK 99502-1845
Voice: 907-266-5102
Fax: 907-266-5188
http://pafc.arh.noaa.gov/

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