Mt. Fitzherbert

Wind forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), coupled with eruption models, show that ash clouds that rise above the crater rim today would drift northeastward early in the day, and eastward later in the day.

Recent observations: High wind, rain, and snow from a large storm are wreaking havoc with field-sensor telemetry. Some seismic stations show considerable noise, and some signals are temporarily dropping out. The ongoing sequence of small (mostly less than M1.5) earthquakes continues, and no new large (>M2.5) quakes have been recorded within the past 24 hours. A single GPS station high on the outer southeast flank of the volcano (~7300 feet) shows about 2 cm (1 inch) of progressive southeastward movement over the past 3 weeks. This minimal movement, apparently in response to new lava impinging on the southeast crater wall, is an expected consequence of the nature of the dome growth occurring in the crater. Additional station installations are planned for the outer south flank to determine the extent of the area responding to the lateral load. Poor weather has prevented recent observations and field work, and no field work is planned for today. When weather permits, field crews will conduct visual and hydrological observations, replace and maintain seismic equipment, attempt gas and thermal-imaging measurements, and install additional GPS stations.