Alaska volcano restless again

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – One of Alaska's largest and most active volcanoes is restless again, prompting scientists to issue an aviation advisory.

Alaska Volcano Observatory scientists increased the threat level of Mount Veniaminof (VEN'-ee-ah-mean-off) from yellow to orange Tuesday. That color designation indicates that sudden explosions could send ash above 20,000 feet (6,100 meters) and threaten international air planes.

The observatory's coordinating scientist, David Fee, says the 8,225-foot (2,500-meter) volcano became active Saturday. Fee says small and sparse ash emissions seen rising to the 10,000-foot (3,050-meter) level prompted the threat level change.

The volcano erupted for several months in 2013. Other recent eruptions occurred in 2005 and between 1993 and 1995.

Veniaminof is 480 miles (772 kilometers) southwest of Anchorage on the Alaska Peninsula.

Fee says Cleveland Volcano in the central Aleutian Islands is Alaska's most active volcano, with the last explosion in May.