SERNAGEOMIN have published a new Chaitén bulletin (dated 3 July 2008) on their website. The bulletin includes a picture taken on 1 July. Translation as follows:

03.07.2008 SERNAGEOMIN report on Chaitén volcano

Chaitén volcano continues in its eruptive phase characterized by the construction of the volcanic dome accompanied by the emission of pyroclastic material and gases.

The seismic activity has remained stable during the last week, both in the number of events and in their magnitude. On 30 June and 1 July highlights were the recording of consecutive pairs of VT-type earthquakes with the first event of a lesser magnitude than the second.

Deposits of mudflows and rocks are notable in the basal ring of the caldera depression as well as the accumulation of rocks on the slopes of the domes. The natural drainage outlet to the south appears obstructed by the accumulation of rocks originating on the slopes of the new dome, the foot of which has produced small gaps.

On 1 July an eruption column of 3km altitude was observed over the new dome, with a plume dispersing to the north and north-east. A closer inspection allowed the recognition that there were two parallel columns. The first, more active in recent weeks, is generated in the southern sector of the new dome, while the second is situated farther to the west.

Fig. 1. View from the east of Chaitén volcano on 1 July. There are two eruption columns over the south and west of the new dome, respectively.

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Information
Global Volcanism Program: Chaitén – summary information for Chaitén (1508-41)
ONEMI, Oficina Nacional de Emergencia – Chilean government emergencies office (Spanish)
SERNAGEOMIN – Servicio Nacional de Geología y Minería (Spanish)