Alaska's Mount Spurr Volcano Shows Signs of Imminent Eruption
 Top 10 Most Active Volcanoes in the US - 2024 Report |
 How to Watch Hawaii's Kilauea Volcano Erupt: Ultimate Guide |
The Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) has reported significant changes, including elevated gas emissions and increased seismic activity.
Recent Developments
During overflights conducted on March 7 and 11, 2025, AVO scientists detected significantly elevated volcanic gas emissions from Mount Spurr. Newly reactivated fumaroles (gas vents) were observed at the volcano's Crater Peak vent. Additionally, elevated earthquake activity and ground deformation continue, indicating that new magma has intruded into the Earth's crust beneath the volcano.
The increase in gas emissions confirms the presence of new magma beneath Mount Spurr, indicating that an eruption is likely, though not certain, to occur within the next few weeks or months.
The most probable scenario is an explosive eruption similar to those that occurred in 1953 and 1992. These past eruptions each lasted a few hours and produced ash clouds carried downwind for hundreds of miles, resulting in minor ashfall (up to about ¼ inch) on southcentral ...
 |
| Lava flows from an eruption of a volcano on the Reykjanes Peninsula in Iceland on, March 28, 2021 |
Historical Eruptions
Mount Spurr's Crater Peak vent has been the site of historical eruptions in 1953 and ... . The 1953 eruption began on July 9, producing ashfall that darkened the sky over Anchorage and disrupted air traffic. The eruption caused ashfall as far away as Valdez and Cordova.
In 1992, Mount Spurr experienced three explosive eruptions from June to September. The most significant occurred on August 18, sending ash clouds to an altitude of about 13.5 kilometers (44,300 feet) and resulting in ashfall in Anchorage that led to the closure of the international airport for 20 hours.
Potential Hazards
An eruption of Mount Spurr poses several hazards:
-
Ashfall: Volcanic ash can disrupt air travel, contaminate water supplies, damage machinery, and pose respiratory health risks. The 1992 eruption, for example, resulted in ashfall in Anchorage, leading to airport closures and prompting residents to stay indoors or wear masks.
-
Lahars: Eruptions can melt snow and ice, generating volcanic debris flows (lahars) that may inundate river valleys and impact communities downstream.
-
Pyroclastic Flows: These fast-moving currents of hot gas and volcanic matter can devastate areas near the volcano.
Current Monitoring and Recommendations
The AVO continues to monitor Mount Spurr closely, utilizing seismic stations, satellite data, and webcams to detect signs of magma movement toward the surface. Residents and businesses in potentially affected areas are advised to prepare for possible ashfall by acquiring extra air filters for furnaces and vehicles, obtaining disposable masks such as N95s, and staying informed through credible sources.
While an eruption is not certain, the current signs suggest that the likelihood has increased. Communities in southcentral Alaska, particularly those in the vicinity of Anchorage, should remain vigilant and follow updates from the AVO and local authorities.
 The Complete Guide to Online Check-In with Alaska Airlines in 2025 This is a thorough tutorial on how to check in online for both domestic and international flights on Alaska Airlines. |
 Top 10 Best Hospitals in Alaska of 2025 Compared to other US states, Alaska has a less advanced healthcare system. Using the most recent rankings from Newsweek, US News, and Healthgrades, KnowInsiders can ... |
 Mystery of 'Alaska Triangle' Where Bering Air Jet Plunged In the remote and treacherous landscapes of Alaska lies a region notorious for its unexplained disappearances—the Alaska Triangle |
 Alaska Airlines Flight Attendant Subdues Unruly Passenger Assaulting Woman - Viral Video An Alaska Airlines flight attendant intervened decisively to protect a female passenger from an unruly man aboard Flight 2221 from Oakland, California, to Portland, Oregon, ... |
