Volcanic alert-levels characterize conditions at U.S. volcanoes

By Volcano Hazards Program

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) employs a nationwide volcano alert-level system for characterizing conditions (quiet, unrest, eruption) at U.S. volcanoes.

Notifications about the status of activity at U.S. volcanoes are issued through the five regional U.S. Volcano Observatories. Additional information on the alert-notification system can be found in the Fact Sheet U.S. Geological Survey's Alert-Notification System for Volcanic Activity.

The USGS alert-level system for volcanic activity has two parts – 1) ranked terms to inform people on the ground about a volcano's status and 2) ranked colors to inform the aviation sector about airborne ash hazards.

ALERT-LEVEL TERMS. When the volcano alert-level is changed, a Volcano Activity Notice (VAN) is issued.
NORMAL	Volcano is in typical background, noneruptive state or, after a change from a higher level, volcanic activity has ceased and volcano has returned to noneruptive background state.
ADVISORY	Volcano is exhibiting signs of elevated unrest above known background level or, after a change from a higher level, volcanic activity has decreased significantly but continues to be closely monitored for possible renewed increase.
WATCH	Volcano is exhibiting heightened or escalating unrest with increased potential of eruption, timeframe uncertain, OR eruption is underway but poses limited hazards.
WARNING	Hazardous eruption is imminent, underway, or suspected.