Alaska volcano spews ash 37,000 feet into the air

An Alaska volcano erupted Monday, putting out an ash cloud that reached 37,000 feet.

Pavlof Volcano erupted for 17 hours in its initial phase and the original ash cloud spread into interior Alaska, and stretched into northern Canada, said Don Moore, meteorologist in charge of the National Weather Service Alaska Aviation Weather Unit.

More than 60 flights were cancelled Monday and Tuesday because of the eruption. Volcanic ash is angular and sharp and can cause a jet engine to shut down.

Pavlof Volcano is one of Alaska's most active. It has had 40 known eruptions.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.