Alaskans brace for volcano eruption

ANCHORAGE, Alaska - January 30, 2009- Scientists from the Alaska Volcano Observatory warn that an eruption of Mount Redoubt is imminent. They've been monitoring earthquakes underneath the 10,200-foot volcano about 100 miles southwest of Anchorage.

Residents stocked up on protective eyewear and masks against a dusty shower of volcanic ash that could descend on south-central Alaska.

Alaska's volcanoes typically explode and shoot ash 30,000 to 50,000 feet high -- more than nine miles -- into the jet stream.

The particulate has jagged edges and has been used as an industrial abrasive.

It can injure skin, eyes and breathing passages, and poses a major hazard to any aircraft flying into the ash cloud.

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