The local observatory SERNAGEOMIN recorded increased sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions, thermal anomalies and inflation on 27 March, typical signs of an upcoming eruption.
The extruded lava dome, about 66 m tall, has oozed out at a higher flow rate on the W part of the volcano.
The lava flow on the north flank remains active, currently about 940 m long with 50 m of thickness. On 5 May, a new lava flow started to descend slowly on the NE flank at about 100 m distance from the summit crater.
Intermittent moderate explosions continue to erupt from the summit vent. Ash emissions containing some amount of gas rose to estimated 4 km altitude. They also generated block-and-ash flows as eruptions caused partially collapse of the lava dome. Pyroclastic flows traveled 400 m over the NE slopes.
A glow visible from the summit crater at night suggests rise of magma.
The Volcanic Alert Level remained at Yellow.
The warning bulletin states that there is a 2 km exclusion zone around the main crater.
Source: Servicio Nacional de Geología y Minería de Chile volcano activity update 13 May 2021
