Montserrat Volcano Observatory


Morning Report
Report for the period 16:00 17 January
to 07:00 18 January 1997
The current alert level is ORANGE


Activity at the volcano has been a low to moderate level overnight. Rockfall and pyroclastic flow activity continued at about the same level as yesterday. The indication from the seismic records was that the events were small and short-lived. A small mud flow signal was also recorded on the Gages and Windy Hill records at about 4:10 am this morning This event was caused by the overnight showers but it was unclear from the records which ghaut was involved. Low level banded tremor occured between 21:30 and 23:30 pm last evening.

The summit of the volcano is fully covered with cloud this morning. No views of the crater area is possible.

From all indications the southeastern face of the dome remains unstable. Further collapses and associated pyroclastic flows into the Tar River Valley will occur during the next few days. If a major dome collapse happens, it would probably build up over a period of several hours, and would produce large pyroclastic flows in the Tar River valley and heavy ash fall downwind of the volcano. Should the collapse be very large, then an explosive eruption is possible, in the same way that it followed a major dome collapse on September 17/18. Zone E, which includes Corkhill and the airport, remains safe. The Tar River area is extremely dangerous, and should not be entered in any circumstances.


Montserrat Volcano Observatory