RANGER ACTIVITIES DIVISION
                           MORNING REPORT

Attention: Directorate
           Regional and Park Chief Rangers, USPP, BIFC, FLETC
           CC: RAD Information Net

Day/date:  Wednesday, December 20, 1989

INCIDENTS

89-355 - Lake Clark (Alaska) - Follow-up on Eruption

The largest in the series of Mt. Redoubt eruptions which have occurred to
date happened at 6:23 a.m. (AST) yesterday morning. Radar reports indicate
that ash. and steam from that eruption reached 40,000 feet. Ash from the
volcano continues to blow to the north. On Monday, the sky cleared enough
for scientists from the Alaska Volcano Observatory to get close to the
mountain for the first time since it began erupting last Thursday. They
reported that the ash was coming from a vent less than 600 feet in diameter
between the 8,000 and 8,500 foot levels of the mountain. No lava was
observed in the vent or elsewhere in the volcano's crater. They also
observed a curtain of steam rising from a glacier on the north side of the
volcano. They said the steam appeared to be the result of water flowing
down the glacier and into the Drift River. The water is being contained in
the normal channel of the river, which flooded extensively when the volcano
last erupted in 1966. The NPS is supporting USGS - Alaska Volcano
Observatory personnel with aerial observations of the vents and surrounding
glaciers and rivers. All predictions and descriptions of seismic activity
are being left to USGS crews. The park is also taking still photos and
videos of the volcano and providing them to both the USGS and the media.
Lodging at Lake Clark has been offered to the USGS crews. (Telefaxed report
from John Quinley, PA/ARO, 2:20 p.m. EST, 12/19; Associated Press report by
Paul Jenkins, 9:45 p.m. EST, 12/19).

STAFF STATUS

Loach on SL, Kreis on AL, Hodapp on travel.

Prepared by WASO Division of Ranger Activities

Telephone:  FTS 343-4874/6039 or 202-343-4874/6039
Telefax:    FTS 343-5977 or 202-343-5977
CompuServe: WASO-RANGER
SEAdog:     1/650 (Phone:343-6014; BAUD:2400)