Alaskan volcano's threat level raised to orange after explosion

Local seismic and infrasound sensors recorded the small explosion Friday night at Mount Cleveland, which is in the Aleutian Island range southwest of mainland Alaska, the Alaska Volcano Observatory said.

The explosion produced a small ash cloud reaching up to 22,000 ft above sea level, the observatory said an aviation advisory.

"Explosions from Cleveland typically produce relatively small volcanic ash clouds that dissipate within hours; however, more significant ash emissions are possible," it said.

A few small earthquakes were also recorded at the volcano during the previous several days.

An orange alert means the volcano is "exhibiting heightened or escalating unrest" according to the AVO.