- Mount Spurr, a volcano 75 miles from Anchorage, shows signs of an imminent eruption, with rising magma detected through increased gas emissions and seismic activity.
- Volcanic gas emissions, including sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide, are nine times higher than December levels, signaling heightened eruption risk.
- Over 3,400 earthquakes have occurred since April 2024, with shallow tremors indicating magma movement less than 2.5 miles below sea level.
- A potential eruption could mirror past events, producing massive ash columns, disrupting air travel, and posing health risks to Anchorage’s 300,000 residents.
- Authorities urge preparedness for ashfall, while scientists monitor for further warning signs, emphasizing the uncertainty of an eruption but the need for vigilance.
Mount Spurr, a towering volcano located just 75 miles from Alaska’s largest city, is showing alarming signs of an impending eruption that could occur within weeks or months, scientists warn.
The Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) has detected significantly elevated levels of volcanic gas emissions, increased seismic activity, and ground deformation—all indicators that magma is rising beneath the 11,070-foot peak. With Anchorage’s 300,000 residents in the potential path of ashfall and toxic emissions, authorities are urging vigilance as the situation unfolds.
Signs of an impending eruption
The AVO has reported a dramatic spike in volcanic gas emissions, including sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide, which are now nine times higher than levels recorded in December. These gases, detected during recent observational flights, confirm that new magma is flowing beneath the volcano. “There was basically nothing coming out before, and now there’s a lot of gas, particularly CO2 coming out,” said coordinating scientist David Fee. “When we’ve seen this at volcanoes in Alaska and across the world, it means that eruption is getting more likely.”
In addition to gas emissions, Mount Spurr has experienced more than 3,400 earthquakes since April 2024, with more than 100 shallow tremors recorded weekly. These seismic events, some as large as magnitude 2.7, are concentrated less than 2.5 miles below sea level, further signaling the movement of magma.
Potential impacts on local communities
If Mount Spurr erupts, scientists predict a scenario similar to its previous eruptions in 1953 and 1992. Those events produced explosive ash columns reaching over 50,000 feet and deposited ashfall across south-central Alaska. In 1992, Anchorage residents faced a quarter-inch of ashfall, prompting health advisories to stay indoors or wear masks to avoid inhaling the toxic particles. The ash cloud even drifted as far as Greenland.
Volcanic ash is not only hazardous to human health but also poses a significant threat to aviation. The sharp, abrasive particles can shut down jet engines, leading to airport closures. In 1992, Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, one of the world’s busiest cargo hubs, was temporarily shut down, disrupting travel and commerce across the region.
Preparing for the worst
While scientists emphasize that an eruption is not certain, they warn that additional signs—such as further increases in seismic activity, gas emissions, and surface heating—could provide days or weeks of advance warning. “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.
Local authorities are urging residents to stay informed and prepare for potential ashfall by stocking up on masks, air filters, and emergency supplies. Anchorage’s proximity to the volcano makes it particularly vulnerable, but smaller communities in the region could also face significant disruptions.
Mount Spurr last erupted in 1992 from its Crater Peak vent, located about two miles south of the summit. The summit vent itself has not erupted in over 5,000 years. The 1992 event, though brief, had far-reaching consequences, highlighting the volcano’s potential for widespread damage.
As scientists continue to monitor Mount Spurr, they remain cautiously optimistic that the current unrest could subside without an eruption. However, the stakes are high, and the coming weeks will be critical in determining the volcano’s next move.
Mount Spurr’s recent activity is a reminder of the unpredictable power of nature. For the residents of Anchorage and surrounding communities, the threat of an eruption looms large, with potential impacts ranging from health hazards to economic disruptions. While scientists work tirelessly to provide early warnings, the ultimate challenge lies in preparing for the unknown. As the volcano stirs, Alaskans are left to hope for the best—but they must prepare for the worst.
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