United States (Alaska-Aviation) [Legacy Version: 1992–1997]

Note: This VAL system was in use from June 1992–1997. The current VAL system can be found here.

Agency: United States Geological Survey (USGS)

Name: Level of Concern Color Code


Reproduced from: Eichelberger, J. C., Keith, T. E., Miller, T. P., & Nye, C. J. (1995). The 1992 eruptions of Crater Peak vent, Mount Spurr volcano, Alaska: chronology and summary. US Geol. Surv. Bull2139, pg. 5. https://doi.org/10.3133/b2139

Elements of VAL system

DomainTerrestrial and Aviation
VolcanoAlaska
Scheme range4-level scale
Lowest level1
Highest level4
Level name typeColor
Level for lack/loss of monitoringNo
Volcanic activityYes
Hazards possible Yes
Locations affectedYes
Potential impactsNo
Forecast languageYes
Timing languageNo
Actions to takeNo
Agency actionsNo
Link to evacuationsNo
Reporting frequency per levelNo
Link to monitoring thresholdsNo
Step-up and step-down languageNo

Related References

Eichelberger, J. C., Keith, T. E., Miller, T. P., & Nye, C. J. (1995). The 1992 eruptions of Crater Peak vent, Mount Spurr volcano, Alaska: chronology and summary. US Geol. Surv. Bull, 2139, pg. 5. https://doi.org/10.3133/b2139

Fearnley, C. J., McGuire, W. J., Davies, G., & Twigg, J. (2012). Standardisation of the USGS Volcano Alert Level System (VALS): analysis and ramifications. Bulletin of Volcanology, 74(9), 2023-2036. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00445-012-0645-6

Guffanti, M., & Miller, T. P. (2013). A volcanic activity alert-level system for aviation: review of its development and application in Alaska. Natural hazards, 69(3), 1519-1533. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11069-013-0761-4