Unrest continues at Alaska volcano

ANCHORAGE -- Alaska's Mount Redoubt has entered a new phase, emitting minor ash plumes without the explosive eruptions that marked the volcano's previous behavior.

The Alaska Volcano Observatory says Redoubt sent up a cloud with a small amount of ash 27,000 feet Monday morning, prompting Alaska Airlines to suspend all flights to and from Anchorage. The airline will evaluate resuming service on Tuesday.

Monitors thought Redoubt had erupted again late Sunday, but further analysis shows it was not an explosive event.

Geologist Allison Payne says there were increased tremors at this time. But Redoubt's seismic network also picked up an unrelated 5.4-magnitude earthquake about 300 miles to the south.

Redoubt has erupted 18 times since it became active March 22. An eruption on Saturday caused widespread ashfall in communities, including Anchorage.