What is the USGS aviation colour code and alert level?

USGS reports aviation colour code ORANGE (previous YELLOW) and volcano alert level WATCH (previous ADVISORY). Definitions are on the USGS alert-level page linked in the bulletin.

When did the colour code change?

USGS records the current colour code since 2021-07-23. The latest notice time is 2026-11-02 23:05:13.

Which country's travel advice applies?

The volcano is in the United States. The US State Department, Global Affairs Canada and UK FCDO levels are in the country section. The USGS notice governs the volcanic activity.

Where is the weekly Smithsonian report?

The Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report is cited at volcano.si.edu and is not reproduced on this page.

Great Sitkin eruption: what travellers need to know right now

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ORANGEUSGS aviation colour code (previous YELLOW)

WATCHUSGS volcano alert level (previous ADVISORY)

2026-11-02 23:05:13latest USGS notice

52.1°N 176.1°Wmap centre taken from the source coordinates

Where this is

Satellite or map view for Great Sitkin eruption

We acknowledge the use of imagery provided by services from NASA's Global Imagery Browse Services (GIBS), part of NASA's Earth Observing System Data and Information System (EOSDIS). Picture time 2026-11-02, satellites: Terra, Aqua, Suomi NPP and NOAA-20. The marker is the source location, or the middle of the official area. The picture is not a forecast.

Official bulletin

AVO Great Sitkin ORANGE/WATCH - Slow eruption of lava within the summit crater continues.

Read the USGS notice

ALASKA VOLCANO OBSERVATORY DAILY UPDATE

U.S. Geological Survey

Monday, November 2, 2026, 2:05 PM AKST (Monday, November 2, 2026, 23:05 UTC)

GREAT SITKIN (VNUM #311120)
52°4'35" N 176°6'39" W, Summit Elevation 5709 ft (1740 m)
Current Volcano Alert Level: WATCH
Current Aviation Color Code: ORANGE

Summary: Slow eruption of lava within the summit crater continues.

Lava continues to erupt slowly within the summit crater of Great Sitkin Volcano. Satellite radar imagery confirms slow lava growth over the last 2 weeks. A few small earthquakes were detected at the volcano over the last day. Clouds obscured other satellite and webcam views of the volcano.
The current eruption began in July 2021. Since then, lava flows have filled most of the summit crater and advanced into valleys below. There have been no explosions at Great Sitkin Volcano since an event in May 2021. The volcano is monitored using local seismic and infrasound sensors, satellite data, webcams, and regional infrasound and lightning networks.

To view monitoring data and other information about Great Sitkin Volcano: https://avo.alaska.edu/volcano/great-sitkin

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Matt Haney, Scientist-in-Charge, USGS [email protected] (907) 786-7497
David Fee, Coordinating Scientist, UAFGI [email protected] (907) 378-5460

Contact AVO: https://avo.alaska.edu/contact
The Alaska Volcano Observatory is a cooperative program of the U.S. Geological Survey, the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute, and the Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys.

Source: USGS Volcano Hazards Program (US government, public domain). Notice. Alert levels and colour codes are explained by USGS at the USGS alert-level page.

Countries affected and their government advisories

Countries named by the source: United States.

United States travel advisories and live alerts

Canada level 1 Exercise normal security precautions Global Affairs Canada

Advisory levels are the latest ones held in the Travel Live data. They are country pages of advice, not a local evacuation order. The official sources govern.

What to check before you travel

United States: the latest government advisory levels are linked above: Global Affairs Canada and the Travel Live page.
The USGS notice says: “AVO Great Sitkin ORANGE/WATCH - Slow eruption of lava within the summit crater continues.” Follow that notice and the park or local authority it names. Open the notice.
Cited, not reproduced: Global Volcanism Program, Smithsonian Institution. Weekly Volcanic Activity Report The current weekly feed title matches this volcano..

Quick answers

What is the USGS aviation colour code and alert level?: USGS reports aviation colour code ORANGE (previous YELLOW) and volcano alert level WATCH (previous ADVISORY). Definitions are on the USGS alert-level page linked in the bulletin.
What does the latest USGS notice say?: AVO Great Sitkin ORANGE/WATCH - Slow eruption of lava within the summit crater continues.
When did the colour code change?: USGS records the current colour code since 2021-07-23. The latest notice time is 2026-11-02 23:05:13.
Which country's travel advice applies?: The volcano is in the United States. The US State Department, Global Affairs Canada and UK FCDO levels are in the country section. The USGS notice governs the volcanic activity.
Where is the weekly Smithsonian report?: The Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report is cited at volcano.si.edu and is not reproduced on this page.

Sources and credits

USGS Volcano Hazards Program (US government, public domain). USGS asks that credit be given to the U.S. Geological Survey.
We acknowledge the use of imagery provided by services from NASA's Global Imagery Browse Services (GIBS), part of NASA's Earth Observing System Data and Information System (EOSDIS). NASA GIBS
Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program, weekly report cited only (text not reproduced): volcano.si.edu.
Government advisory levels: US State Department, Global Affairs Canada and UK FCDO, as held in the Travel Live data. The official sources govern.

Official sources govern. Voyaggora republishes these records for travellers and does not issue warnings; follow the instructions of local and national authorities and your own government's advice.