The Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) has raised the alert level for the Pavlof volcano from an orange/watch to a red/warning as the volcano emitted an ash cloud that first rose 25,000 feet then 35,000 feet above sea level over the weekend.

AVO makes use of the U.S. Geological Survey's volcanic alert system that involves color coding. Red means an eruption is imminent.

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This means a significant volcanic ash emission can be launched into the atmosphere or an eruption is already underway and is linked to this significant volcanic ash emission into the atmosphere. 

AVO confirmed from satellite reports and wind data the ash cloud is moving towards the northwest over the Bering Sea. The ash cloud's height and direction can also change significantly during the eruption.

Since Saturday afternoon, AVO declared there hasn't been any reports of ash fall from nearby local communities. The National Weather Service, however, released a warning that Cold Bay and Sand Point may experience ash fall. It advised residents with respiratory conditions to minimize their exposure outdoors and to take extra precautions.

The National Weather Service said most of the ash fall will be blown off by winds in a northwesterly direction over the Bering Sea. It made public an image of the ash cloud's projected path.

The Pavlof Volcano is located in the Alaska Peninsula within the western edge of the Aleutian chain. It's 36 miles from the local community of Cold Bay. If ash fall should occur, locals are encouraged to report the event to AVO.

Volcanic ash poses a high risk to aircraft and AVO strongly advises pilots to consult first with the Alaska Aviation Weather Unit under the National Weather Service for more updates about atmospheric conditions caused by the imminent eruption.

Pavlof began erupting Wednesday and is considered one of Alaska's most active volcanoes.

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