Annotated photograph of Bogoslof Island showing the cumulative effects of 2016-17 eruptive activity. A layer of fine muddy appearing ash drapes most of the landscape and covers pre-existing vegetation. The dashed line indicates the area excavated by explosive eruptive activity so far.
How many volcanoes are in Alaska?
Alaska contains over 130 volcanoes and volcanic fields which have been active within the last two million years. Of these volcanoes, about 90 have been active within the last 10,000 years (and might be expected to erupt again), and more than 50 have been active within historical time (since about 1760, for Alaska). These volcanoes are catalogued on the Alaska Volcano Observatory Map & Alphabetical List website.
Learn more: USGS Alaska Volcano Observatory
Related
How often do Alaskan volcanoes erupt?
Can earthquakes trigger volcanic eruptions?
Why is it important to monitor volcanoes?
Lava sampling: Why do we do it?
Is it dangerous to work on volcanoes? What precautions do scientists take?
How can we tell when a volcano will erupt?
How are volcanic gases measured?
Can volcanic eruptions endanger helicopters and other aircraft?
Which volcanic eruptions were the deadliest?
What was the largest volcanic eruption in the 20th century?
Where does the United States rank in the number of volcanoes?
What was the most destructive volcanic eruption in the history of the United States?

Annotated photograph of Bogoslof Island showing the cumulative effects of 2016-17 eruptive activity. A layer of fine muddy appearing ash drapes most of the landscape and covers pre-existing vegetation. The dashed line indicates the area excavated by explosive eruptive activity so far.

Satellite image from the USGS/NASA Landsat-8 satellite showing the eruption cloud at Pavlof Volcano on November 15 at 12:46 pm AKST (21:46 UTC). This is just a portion of the eruption cloud, which extended for more than 250 miles to the northwest at the time this image was collected.
Satellite image from the USGS/NASA Landsat-8 satellite showing the eruption cloud at Pavlof Volcano on November 15 at 12:46 pm AKST (21:46 UTC). This is just a portion of the eruption cloud, which extended for more than 250 miles to the northwest at the time this image was collected.

Aerial view toward the southwest of the actively erupting cone within Veniaminof caldera. The white steam plume is produced where a lava flow is descending the side of the cone and melting snow and ice. The darker colored, ashy plume is rising in bursts from the active vent.
Aerial view toward the southwest of the actively erupting cone within Veniaminof caldera. The white steam plume is produced where a lava flow is descending the side of the cone and melting snow and ice. The darker colored, ashy plume is rising in bursts from the active vent.
The United States has 169 active volcanoes. More than half of them could erupt explosively, sending ash up to 20,000 or 30,000 feet where commercial air traffic flies. USGS scientists are working to improve our understanding of volcano hazards to help protect communities and reduce the risks.
Video Sections:
The United States has 169 active volcanoes. More than half of them could erupt explosively, sending ash up to 20,000 or 30,000 feet where commercial air traffic flies. USGS scientists are working to improve our understanding of volcano hazards to help protect communities and reduce the risks.
Video Sections:

-- a Centennial perspective of the Novarupta-Katmai eruption, the largest of the 20th century
By Judy Fierstein, USGS
-- a Centennial perspective of the Novarupta-Katmai eruption, the largest of the 20th century
By Judy Fierstein, USGS
USGS technologist Rick LaHusen describes how the development and deployment of instruments plays a crucial role in mitigating volcanic hazards.
USGS technologist Rick LaHusen describes how the development and deployment of instruments plays a crucial role in mitigating volcanic hazards.
Volcanic ash is geographically the most widespread of all volcanic hazards. USGS geologist Larry Mastin describes how volcanic ash can disrupt lives many thousands of miles from an erupting volcano. The development of ash cloud models and ash cloud disruption to air traffic is highlighted.
Volcanic ash is geographically the most widespread of all volcanic hazards. USGS geologist Larry Mastin describes how volcanic ash can disrupt lives many thousands of miles from an erupting volcano. The development of ash cloud models and ash cloud disruption to air traffic is highlighted.

-- the contrasting stories of two recent spectacular eruptions
by Stephanie Prejean, USGS Alaska Volcano Observatory
-- the contrasting stories of two recent spectacular eruptions
by Stephanie Prejean, USGS Alaska Volcano Observatory

Great Earthquakes, Great Waves, and Great Volcanic Explosions!
by Steve Kirby, Geophsicist, and Dave Scholl, Scientist Emeritus
Great Earthquakes, Great Waves, and Great Volcanic Explosions!
by Steve Kirby, Geophsicist, and Dave Scholl, Scientist Emeritus
Scientists from the USGS Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) examine deposits on the lobe of the Drift Glacier with the summit of Mount Redoubt and its steaming lava dome in distance.
Scientists from the USGS Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) examine deposits on the lobe of the Drift Glacier with the summit of Mount Redoubt and its steaming lava dome in distance.
Shishaldin Volcano at sunset. Shishaldin is on Unimak Island, part of Izembek National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska.
Shishaldin Volcano at sunset. Shishaldin is on Unimak Island, part of Izembek National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska.

Kate Bull using a FLIR camera out the open door of an A-Star helicopter with the Redoubt summit and lava dome visible.
Kate Bull using a FLIR camera out the open door of an A-Star helicopter with the Redoubt summit and lava dome visible.

Redoubt Volcano viewed from the northwest following the April 4, 2009 eruption (Event 19). Steam rises from the summit crater, pyroclastic flow and surge deposits drape the flanks, and lahar deposits cover the Drift River Valley.
Redoubt Volcano viewed from the northwest following the April 4, 2009 eruption (Event 19). Steam rises from the summit crater, pyroclastic flow and surge deposits drape the flanks, and lahar deposits cover the Drift River Valley.

A gas plume arising from Augustine Volcano during it's eruptive phase 2005-06. This photo was taken during a FLIR/maintenance flight on January 24, 2006.
A gas plume arising from Augustine Volcano during it's eruptive phase 2005-06. This photo was taken during a FLIR/maintenance flight on January 24, 2006.
Augustine volcano viewed from the west.
Augustine volcano viewed from the west.
Roiling eruption column rising from Crater Peak vent of Mt. Spurr volcano. View from the south.
Roiling eruption column rising from Crater Peak vent of Mt. Spurr volcano. View from the south.
View southeast from Overlook Cabin looking over the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes. The pyroclastic and ash deposits that fill the valley remain nearly vegetation-free more than 100 years after the 1912 Novarupta-Katmai eruption.
View southeast from Overlook Cabin looking over the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes. The pyroclastic and ash deposits that fill the valley remain nearly vegetation-free more than 100 years after the 1912 Novarupta-Katmai eruption.
Ascending eruption cloud from Redoubt Volcano as viewed to the west from the Kenai Peninsula. The mushroom-shaped plume rose from avalanches of hot debris (pyroclastic flows) that cascaded down the north flank of the volcano. A smaller, white steam plume rises from the summit crater.
Ascending eruption cloud from Redoubt Volcano as viewed to the west from the Kenai Peninsula. The mushroom-shaped plume rose from avalanches of hot debris (pyroclastic flows) that cascaded down the north flank of the volcano. A smaller, white steam plume rises from the summit crater.
Students climb out of ravine on north flank of Augustine Volcano during descent from sampling the 2006 lava flow during 2010 summer field campaign.
Students climb out of ravine on north flank of Augustine Volcano during descent from sampling the 2006 lava flow during 2010 summer field campaign.
Photo of Redoubt and vicinity taken from the gas/obs fixed-wing flight.
Photo of Redoubt and vicinity taken from the gas/obs fixed-wing flight.
2022 Volcanic activity in Alaska and the Northern Mariana Islands—Summary of events and response of the Alaska Volcano Observatory
2018 Volcanic activity in Alaska—Summary of events and response of the Alaska Volcano Observatory
Alaska Volcano Observatory archive of seismic drum records of eruptions of Augustine Volcano (1986), Redoubt Volcano (1989–90), Mount Spurr (1992), and Pavlof Volcano (1996), and the 1996 earthquake swarm at Akutan Peak
Living with volcano hazards
2018 update to the U.S. Geological Survey national volcanic threat assessment
U.S. Geological Survey Volcano Hazards Program—Assess, forecast, prepare, engage
The Novarupta-Katmai eruption of 1912 - largest eruption of the twentieth century; centennial perspectives
Alaska volcanoes guidebook for teachers
Airborne volcanic ash; a global threat to aviation
Volcano hazards: A national threat
Volcanoes of the Wrangell Mountains and Cook Inlet region, Alaska: selected photographs
Historically active volcanoes in Alaska - a quick reference
Related
How often do Alaskan volcanoes erupt?
Can earthquakes trigger volcanic eruptions?
Why is it important to monitor volcanoes?
Lava sampling: Why do we do it?
Is it dangerous to work on volcanoes? What precautions do scientists take?
How can we tell when a volcano will erupt?
How are volcanic gases measured?
Can volcanic eruptions endanger helicopters and other aircraft?
Which volcanic eruptions were the deadliest?
What was the largest volcanic eruption in the 20th century?
Where does the United States rank in the number of volcanoes?
What was the most destructive volcanic eruption in the history of the United States?

Annotated photograph of Bogoslof Island showing the cumulative effects of 2016-17 eruptive activity. A layer of fine muddy appearing ash drapes most of the landscape and covers pre-existing vegetation. The dashed line indicates the area excavated by explosive eruptive activity so far.
Annotated photograph of Bogoslof Island showing the cumulative effects of 2016-17 eruptive activity. A layer of fine muddy appearing ash drapes most of the landscape and covers pre-existing vegetation. The dashed line indicates the area excavated by explosive eruptive activity so far.

Satellite image from the USGS/NASA Landsat-8 satellite showing the eruption cloud at Pavlof Volcano on November 15 at 12:46 pm AKST (21:46 UTC). This is just a portion of the eruption cloud, which extended for more than 250 miles to the northwest at the time this image was collected.
Satellite image from the USGS/NASA Landsat-8 satellite showing the eruption cloud at Pavlof Volcano on November 15 at 12:46 pm AKST (21:46 UTC). This is just a portion of the eruption cloud, which extended for more than 250 miles to the northwest at the time this image was collected.

Aerial view toward the southwest of the actively erupting cone within Veniaminof caldera. The white steam plume is produced where a lava flow is descending the side of the cone and melting snow and ice. The darker colored, ashy plume is rising in bursts from the active vent.
Aerial view toward the southwest of the actively erupting cone within Veniaminof caldera. The white steam plume is produced where a lava flow is descending the side of the cone and melting snow and ice. The darker colored, ashy plume is rising in bursts from the active vent.
The United States has 169 active volcanoes. More than half of them could erupt explosively, sending ash up to 20,000 or 30,000 feet where commercial air traffic flies. USGS scientists are working to improve our understanding of volcano hazards to help protect communities and reduce the risks.
Video Sections:
The United States has 169 active volcanoes. More than half of them could erupt explosively, sending ash up to 20,000 or 30,000 feet where commercial air traffic flies. USGS scientists are working to improve our understanding of volcano hazards to help protect communities and reduce the risks.
Video Sections:

-- a Centennial perspective of the Novarupta-Katmai eruption, the largest of the 20th century
By Judy Fierstein, USGS
-- a Centennial perspective of the Novarupta-Katmai eruption, the largest of the 20th century
By Judy Fierstein, USGS
USGS technologist Rick LaHusen describes how the development and deployment of instruments plays a crucial role in mitigating volcanic hazards.
USGS technologist Rick LaHusen describes how the development and deployment of instruments plays a crucial role in mitigating volcanic hazards.
Volcanic ash is geographically the most widespread of all volcanic hazards. USGS geologist Larry Mastin describes how volcanic ash can disrupt lives many thousands of miles from an erupting volcano. The development of ash cloud models and ash cloud disruption to air traffic is highlighted.
Volcanic ash is geographically the most widespread of all volcanic hazards. USGS geologist Larry Mastin describes how volcanic ash can disrupt lives many thousands of miles from an erupting volcano. The development of ash cloud models and ash cloud disruption to air traffic is highlighted.

-- the contrasting stories of two recent spectacular eruptions
by Stephanie Prejean, USGS Alaska Volcano Observatory
-- the contrasting stories of two recent spectacular eruptions
by Stephanie Prejean, USGS Alaska Volcano Observatory

Great Earthquakes, Great Waves, and Great Volcanic Explosions!
by Steve Kirby, Geophsicist, and Dave Scholl, Scientist Emeritus
Great Earthquakes, Great Waves, and Great Volcanic Explosions!
by Steve Kirby, Geophsicist, and Dave Scholl, Scientist Emeritus
Scientists from the USGS Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) examine deposits on the lobe of the Drift Glacier with the summit of Mount Redoubt and its steaming lava dome in distance.
Scientists from the USGS Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) examine deposits on the lobe of the Drift Glacier with the summit of Mount Redoubt and its steaming lava dome in distance.
Shishaldin Volcano at sunset. Shishaldin is on Unimak Island, part of Izembek National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska.
Shishaldin Volcano at sunset. Shishaldin is on Unimak Island, part of Izembek National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska.

Kate Bull using a FLIR camera out the open door of an A-Star helicopter with the Redoubt summit and lava dome visible.
Kate Bull using a FLIR camera out the open door of an A-Star helicopter with the Redoubt summit and lava dome visible.

Redoubt Volcano viewed from the northwest following the April 4, 2009 eruption (Event 19). Steam rises from the summit crater, pyroclastic flow and surge deposits drape the flanks, and lahar deposits cover the Drift River Valley.
Redoubt Volcano viewed from the northwest following the April 4, 2009 eruption (Event 19). Steam rises from the summit crater, pyroclastic flow and surge deposits drape the flanks, and lahar deposits cover the Drift River Valley.

A gas plume arising from Augustine Volcano during it's eruptive phase 2005-06. This photo was taken during a FLIR/maintenance flight on January 24, 2006.
A gas plume arising from Augustine Volcano during it's eruptive phase 2005-06. This photo was taken during a FLIR/maintenance flight on January 24, 2006.
Augustine volcano viewed from the west.
Augustine volcano viewed from the west.
Roiling eruption column rising from Crater Peak vent of Mt. Spurr volcano. View from the south.
Roiling eruption column rising from Crater Peak vent of Mt. Spurr volcano. View from the south.
View southeast from Overlook Cabin looking over the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes. The pyroclastic and ash deposits that fill the valley remain nearly vegetation-free more than 100 years after the 1912 Novarupta-Katmai eruption.
View southeast from Overlook Cabin looking over the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes. The pyroclastic and ash deposits that fill the valley remain nearly vegetation-free more than 100 years after the 1912 Novarupta-Katmai eruption.
Ascending eruption cloud from Redoubt Volcano as viewed to the west from the Kenai Peninsula. The mushroom-shaped plume rose from avalanches of hot debris (pyroclastic flows) that cascaded down the north flank of the volcano. A smaller, white steam plume rises from the summit crater.
Ascending eruption cloud from Redoubt Volcano as viewed to the west from the Kenai Peninsula. The mushroom-shaped plume rose from avalanches of hot debris (pyroclastic flows) that cascaded down the north flank of the volcano. A smaller, white steam plume rises from the summit crater.
Students climb out of ravine on north flank of Augustine Volcano during descent from sampling the 2006 lava flow during 2010 summer field campaign.
Students climb out of ravine on north flank of Augustine Volcano during descent from sampling the 2006 lava flow during 2010 summer field campaign.
Photo of Redoubt and vicinity taken from the gas/obs fixed-wing flight.
Photo of Redoubt and vicinity taken from the gas/obs fixed-wing flight.