Anchorage, Alaska: Alaska’s Mount Spurr volcano, located just 80 miles northwest of Anchorage, is exhibiting heightened signs of unrest, raising concerns among experts about a potential eruption in the coming weeks or months. The Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) issued a statement on Wednesday detailing recent observations that suggest the volcano may be awakening.
According to the AVO, recent overflights detected “significantly elevated volcanic gas emissions,” alongside other indicators pointing to a possible eruption. While an eruption is not guaranteed, the observatory noted that the likelihood has increased. “We expect to see further increases in seismic activity, gas emissions, and surface heating prior to an eruption, if one were to occur,” the AVO stated, adding that such escalation could provide days to weeks of advance warning.
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What is Mount Spurr?
Mount Spurr is an imposing 11,070-foot (3,374-meter) volcano blanketed in ice and snow. Situated approximately 129 kilometers from Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city, it is one of 53 volcanoes in the state known to have been active in the past 250 years. The volcano features two primary vents: the summit vent and the Crater Peak vent, located about 2 miles south of the summit.
A History of Activity
The summit vent last erupted over 5,000 years ago, while the Crater Peak vent has been more active in recent history, with eruptions recorded in 1953 and three times in 1992. Since then, Mount Spurr has experienced periods of unrest, including elevated seismic activity between 2004 and 2006. In October 2024, the AVO raised the volcano’s alert level from green to yellow after detecting increased earthquakes and ground deformation via satellite data.
What Could Happen Next?
Experts believe the most probable scenario, should an eruption occur, would mirror the events of 1953 and 1992. However, John Power, a geophysicist with the U.S. Geological Survey at the AVO, cautioned that outcomes could vary. “It is also possible that no eruption occurs and the present activity slowly dies away or that a smaller eruption takes place,” Power explained in an email.
Potential Impacts of an Eruption
Past eruptions at Mount Spurr have demonstrated its capacity to disrupt life in south-central Alaska. The 20th-century eruptions, lasting three to seven hours, sent ash plumes soaring over 50,000 feet (15,240 meters) above sea level, blanketing communities with ash. In 1992, Anchorage saw about a quarter-inch of ashfall, prompting residents to stay indoors or wear masks to avoid inhaling the abrasive volcanic ash, which can also disable jet engines. That year, the ash cloud reached as far as Greenland and led to temporary airport closures in Anchorage and beyond.
Such disruptions are particularly significant in Alaska, where many communities rely on air travel due to limited road connectivity. Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, a global cargo hub, could face operational challenges if ashfall occurs, impacting both local and international logistics.
Ongoing Monitoring
The AVO continues to closely monitor Mount Spurr, analyzing seismic data, gas emissions, and surface changes to provide timely updates. For now, residents and authorities remain on alert as the volcano’s future remains uncertain. Further developments will be reported as they unfold.
key points:
- Increased Unrest at Mount Spurr: The volcano, located 80 miles northwest of Anchorage, Alaska, is showing signs of heightened activity, with experts noting an elevated risk of eruption in the coming weeks or months.
- Alaska Volcano Observatory Findings: Recent overflights revealed “significantly elevated volcanic gas emissions” and other indicators suggesting a possible eruption, though it’s not certain. Increased seismic activity, gas emissions, and surface heating could signal an impending event.
- Mount Spurr Overview: Standing at 11,070 feet (3,374 meters), Mount Spurr is an ice-covered volcano with two vents: the summit vent (inactive for over 5,000 years) and the Crater Peak vent (active in 1953 and three times in 1992).
- Historical Activity: The volcano has had periods of unrest, including between 2004-2006 and a notable increase in seismic activity in October
