Novarupta

Novarupta is a volcanic vent in southwestern Alaska that produced a massive eruption in June 1912, forming one of the largest ash-flow events of the 20th century. The eruption reshaped the local landscape and created features that are now within Katmai National Park.

On June 6, 1912, the Novarupta vent began an eruption that lasted several days and released enormous volumes of ash and pyroclastic flow material; the event also created the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes and altered nearby Mount Katmai’s summit. The eruption was extensively studied by geologists and remains a key reference for large explosive eruptions.

Novarupta lies on the Alaska Peninsula within Katmai National Park, in a remote area of southwestern Alaska; the site is accessible only by small aircraft or boat from coastal towns and is subject to seasonal weather constraints.

• 1912 eruption significance: The 1912 eruption is the largest volcanic eruption of the 20th century by erupted volume, producing extensive ash flows and pyroclastic deposits.
• Access: Located within Katmai National Park, access is by small plane or boat from nearby settlements and is seasonally limited by weather.

What to See #

• Novarupta vent and dome: The Novarupta lava dome and vent area formed during the 1912 eruption, occupying the southern edge of the eruption site and visible as a distinct volcanic feature in the ash plain.
• Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes: The Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, an extensive ash-flow deposit and network of fumaroles produced by the 1912 eruption, stretching several kilometres across the landscape.