Volcanic Eruption Response by NWS Alaska: A Multi-Hazard Risk Based Approach to Warning Services

The NWS Alaska Region has been a model for volcanic ash response since the mid 1980s with the eruption of Augustine Volcano. Since then there have been many high impact eruptions in Alaska including Redoubt 1989-1990, Cleveland 1991, Spurr 1992, Kasatochi 2008, and Redoubt 2009. There are lessons learned and best practices gleaned from each event.

The Alaska Interagency Volcano Group is comprised of federal, state, and local partners and stakeholders who meet regularly to discuss events and how to improve services. The group is also responsible for producing an interagency plan.

This paper will highlight an example of a significant volcanic eruption scenario in Cook Inlet Alaska. Partner roles, response activities and collaboration efforts will be described.