Monitors detect small explosion at Alaska volcano

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – Scientists say there's been a small explosion at a remote Alaska volcano.

The Alaska Volcano Observatory says the explosion happened just after 7 p.m. Wednesday at Cleveland Volcano. The observatory says in a statement that it was detected by distant seismic stations and infrasound array since there's no nearby seismic network.

Cloud cover prevented visual observation or satellite imagery of the eruption.

Officials said this was similar to eruptions in December, when small ash clouds dissipated quickly and didn't affect air traffic.

Cleveland is a 5,675-foot peak on an uninhabited island 940 miles southwest of Anchorage.

Authorities say sudden eruptions could occur at any time, and ash clouds 20,000 feet above sea level are possible.