(1) VOLCANO OBSERVATORY NOTICE FOR AVIATION (VONA)
 (2) Issued:20160818/0714Z
 (3) Volcano:Chikurachki (CAVW #290360)
 (4) Current Aviation Color Code:ORANGE
 (5) Previous Aviation Color Code:green
 (6) Source:KVERT
 (7) Notice Number:2016-81
 (8) Volcano Location:N 50 deg 19 min E 155 deg 27 min
 (9) Area:Northern Kuriles, Russia
(10) Summit Elevation:5956.48 ft (1816 m)
(11) Volcanic Activity Summary:An explosive eruption of Chikurachki volcano began on 18 August, 2016. A strong gas-steam activity of Chikurachki volcano was observed on satellite images from 2332 UTC on 17 August till 0500 UTC on 18 August, 2016. From 0520 UTC on 18 August, an ash in the gas-steam plume from the volcano began to noted.

Ash explosions up to 19,700 ft (6 km) a.s.l. could occur at any time. Ongoing activity could affect low-flying aircraft.
(12) Volcanic cloud height:6560-8200 ft (2000-2500 m) AMSL Time and method of ash plume/cloud height determination: 20160818/0630Z – Himawary-8
(13) Other volcanic cloud information:Distance of ash plume/cloud of the volcano: 86 mi (138 km)
Direction of drift of ash plume/cloud of the volcano: NE / azimuth 52 deg
Time and method of ash plume/cloud determination: 20160818/0630Z – Himawary-8
(14) Remarks:
(15) Contacts:Dr. Olga A. Girina, Head of KVERT, IVS FEB RAS
girina@kscnet.ru +74152202044

Duty scientist: +79622825253
(16) Next Notice:A new VONA will be issued if conditions change significantly or the Aviation Color Code is changes. VONAs are posted at http://www.kscnet.ru/ivs/kvert/index_eng.php.

In Russia, KVERT, on behalf of the Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (IVS) FED RAS, is responsible for providing information on volcanic activity to international air navigation services for the airspace users.

CITATION GUIDELINES

For formal scientific citation of this VONA/KVERT Information Release, please use the following:
VONA/KVERT Information Release, August 18, 2016. KVERT, Institute of Volcanology and Seismology FEB RAS. URL: http://www.kscnet.ru/ivs/kvert/van/?n=2016-81.
Aviation Color Codes

GREEN

Volcano is in normal, non-eruptive state

   or, after a change from a higher level: 

Volcanic activity considered to have ceased, and volcano reverted to its normal, non-eruptive state.

YELLOW

Volcano is experiencing signs of elevated unrest above known background levels. 

   or, after a change from higher level: 

Volcanic activity has decreased significantly but continues to be closely monitored for possible renewed increase.

ORANGE

Volcano is exhibiting heightened unrest with increased likelihood of eruption.

   or,

Volcanic eruption is underway with no or minor ash emission.
[specify ash-plume height if possible]

RED

Eruption is forecast to be imminent with significant emission of ash into the atmosphere likely.

  or,

Eruption is underway with significant emission of ash into the atmosphere.
[specify ash-plume height if possible]