Cleveland Volcano spews ash in Alaska; Alert level raised

(AP) ANCHORAGE, Alaska - The alert level for a remote Alaska volcano has been raised after an apparent ash-producing explosion Tuesday afternoon.

There is no real-time seismic monitoring network on Cleveland Volcano, meaning scientists must rely on limited data, such as pilot reports, webcam images and low-frequency sounds. A pilot report suggests the ash cloud rose to an altitude of 35,000 feet, or 6.6 miles. The sounds detected suggest it was a brief eruption.

The Alaska Volcano Observatory says additional eruptions are still possible with little warning, and ash clouds 20,000 feet above sea level are possible.

The 5,675-foot volcano is on an uninhabited island about 940 miles southwest of Anchorage.

Seismologist Stephanie Prejean says the explosion, at this point, appears to be within the range of those reported from the volcano during the past year.

In January, a new lava dome 130 feet in diameter began to form at the summit of the volcano, according to the Alaska Volcano Observatory, suggesting it could explode and potentially threaten aircraft.