Llaima volcano (Chile) - Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report for 8 April-14 April 2009 (New Activity / Unrest)

On 8 April, SERNAGEOMIN reported that, after 74 hours of a vigorous Strombolian eruption from Llaima and accompanying lava flow emissions, activity declined quickly on 6 April until reaching a low level characterized by small amounts of ash emissions. On 7 April, weak emissions of gas and ash were observed. An overflight revealed that the main crater was completely obscured by a large pyroclastic cone with four inactive craters.
Sulfur dioxide and hydrochloric gasses were emitted. Two lava flows descended the W flank. The more southerly lava flow was about 4.5 km long and melted part of the glacier, causing a lahar to travel towards the Calbuco River.
The more northerly lava flow was similar in length, and branched off into two 1-km-long flows. It too caused a lahar. On the NE flank, a lava flow that originated from the base of the pyroclastic cone caused lahars that descended into the valley between Curacautín (30 km NNW) and the Conguillío National Park.

During 7-10 April, intermittent incandescence from a lava flow at the SW base of the pyroclastic cone was observed. Incandescent blocks originating from the lava flow descended W. On 8 April, gasses emitted from multiple points on the pyroclastic cone formed a plume that drifted NE.
Preliminary calculations indicated that the height of the pyroclastic cone exceeded the top of the main crater by 70 m, making the summit elevation 3,240 m a.s.l. During 9-10 and 13-14 April, gas and steam plumes rose from the pyroclastic cone; views were obscured by clouds on 11 and 12 April. On 14 April, fumarolic activity from the pyroclastic cone was again noted.
The Volcano Alert Level remained at Red.

Source: Servicio Nacional de Geología y Minería (SERNAGEOMIN)
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From: Global Volcanism Program, 2009. Report on Llaima. In: Mayberry, G (ed.), Weekly Volcanic Activity Report 8 April-14 April 2009. Smithsonian Institution and US Geological Survey.