Volcano Spews 9-Mile-High Column of Ash

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Clouds of corrosive ash carrying the stench of sulfur drifted today from the erupting peak of Augustine Volcano after the restless mountain spit debris more than nine miles high, triggering health alerts in Alaska’s largest city.

The 4,025-foot volcano, quiet since 1976, erupted early Thursday on its uninhabited island 175 miles southwest of Anchorage and by early today had spread ash as far away as Skwentna, about 75 miles northwest of Anchorage.

Pat Poole, a meteorologist with the U.S. Weather Service, said the Anchorage area probably will see more of the carburetor-choking ash falling by midday, or after the winds change direction.

“We’ve had some, but so far it hasn’t amounted to anything,” Poole said of the acidic gray-brown dust. “But as the winds shift from south to southwest, they should start carrying more of it over the Anchorage bowl.”

‘Volcanic Ash Party’

Meanwhile, Anchorage police reported a rowdy “volcanic ash party” thrown by teen-agers. “We broke it up late last night,” said Officer Terry Gaines.

Anchorage International Airport remained open overnight although few aircraft were using the facility, an official said.

Anchorage authorities issued a health alert urging people to stay home and avoid exercise, and the Chugach Electric Assn. warned people on life-support systems to be prepared to go to the hospital.