Hello Robert - That black area is where the lava flows have gone during the two most recent eruptions of Pavlof, and the lava can stay hot for quite some time, so we expect to see it disappear and reappear throughout the winter. We also don't see anything unusual in seismic or satellite data. Thanks for sending your observations, Cheryl -------- Robert Nielsen wrote: Pavlof has a lot of black on the top and going down the left side from Cold Bay view. Also has small amounts of steam coming out. Looks unusual after a couple months of fresh snow being on top without any black -- Cheryl Cameron Geologist, Alaska Volcano Observatory Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys voice: 907-451-5012 fax: 907-451-5050