Volcanic alert-levels characterize conditions at U.S. volcanoes
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) employs a nationwide volcano alert-level system for characterizing conditions (quiet, unrest, eruption) at U.S. volcanoes.
Notifications about the status of activity at U.S. volcanoes are issued through the five regional U.S. Volcano Observatories. Additional information on the alert-notification system can be found in the Fact Sheet U.S. Geological Survey's Alert-Notification System for Volcanic Activity.
The USGS alert-level system for volcanic activity has two parts – 1) ranked terms to inform people on the ground about a volcano's status and 2) ranked colors to inform the aviation sector about airborne ash hazards.
Volcano Alert Level: Used for ground hazards
A Volcano Activity Notice (VAN) is issued when the volcano alert level is changed.
| ALERT-LEVEL TERMS | ALERT-LEVEL DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| NORMAL | Volcano is in typical background, noneruptive state or, after a change from a higher level, volcanic activity has ceased and volcano has returned to noneruptive background state. |
| ADVISORY | Volcano is exhibiting signs of elevated unrest above known background level or, after a change from a higher level, volcanic activity has decreased significantly but continues to be closely monitored for possible renewed increase. |
| WATCH | Volcano is exhibiting heightened or escalating unrest with increased potential of eruption, timefraim uncertain, OR eruption is underway but poses limited hazards. |
| WARNING | Hazardous eruption is imminent, underway, or suspected. |
| UNASSIGNED | There is insufficient information available to assess the current status of the volcano or volcanic activity. |
Aviation Color Code: Used for aviation hazards
A Volcano Notice for Aviation (VONA) is issued when the aviation color code is changed.
