Pavlof Volcano in Alaska could be about to erupt as billowing smoke has been spotted coming from its top and seismic activity has increasingly been detected. Authorities have raised the alert level status to advisory meaning volcanic activity has decreased significantly but continues to be closely monitored for possible renewed increase.

The volcano recently erupted in May with another eruption two months prior. This leads experts to predict that the consistency of these eruptions could mean another possible eruption could be on its way.

“Pavlof is one of those volcanoes that can erupt without very much in the way of precursory activities,” said Alaska Volcano Observatory and U.S. Geological Survey geologist Dave Schneider. “It’s very easy for the magma to arise in the volcano and make it out. So even subtle signs of unrest we think it is prudent to increase our alert level.”

Since records began in the 1700s, Pavlof has erupted around 40 times and has been known to erupt intermittently between long periods of time. Stretched over 4.5 miles, Pavlof is Alaska’s most active volcano and during its March eruption, ash clouds were seen as high as 40,000 feet above sea level and detected as far east as Canada’s eastern point by satellites. It’s these satellites that are tracking the images of the current activity.

The Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) stated,  “The level of seismic activity at Pavlof Volcano remains slightly elevated but lower than that recorded yesterday. Nothing significant was observed in satellite views of the volcano over the past day. Web camera views of the volcano have been largely obscured by clouds with one view showing a possible small steam emission. An AVO field crew working near the volcano yesterday reported observing minor gas emissions from the summit vent.”