Alaska volcano puffs steam, but doesn't erupt

ANCHORAGE, Alaska - Mount Redoubt in southern Alaska is puffing a little steam and emitting volcanic gases but still hasn't erupted.

Volcanologist Dave Schneider at the Alaska Volcano Observatory says winds and humidity made the steam more visible Monday. The plume extended several hundred feet above the crater.

Observatory seismologist Stephanie Prejean says Redoubt's ongoing earthquakes have shifted to a higher frequency, which could mean rock is breaking. She said the large amount of gases indicate new magma in the earth's crust.

The observatory warned in late January that an eruption was possible after earthquakes beneath Mount Redoubt increased sharply.

The mountain is about 160 kilometres southwest of Anchorage.

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  An aerial photograph taken over Mount Redoubt on February 2, 2009 shows a muddy outflow stream and waterfall discharging from the glacier on the upper north flank of the volcano. This discharge is caused by increased heat in the summit region since January 25, 2009. (Alaska Volcano Observatory/ U.S. Geological Survey)