Additional Coverage:
Mount Spurr Volcano Shows Increased Signs of Unrest
Anchorage, Alaska – Scientists at the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) are closely monitoring Mount Spurr, an 11,070-foot volcano located approximately 80 miles northwest of Anchorage, after observing a significant increase in volcanic gas emissions. Recent overflights have confirmed this elevated activity, prompting the AVO to warn of a potential eruption in the coming weeks or months.
While an eruption is not guaranteed, the AVO emphasizes the possibility and advises residents to be prepared. Increased seismic activity, gas emissions, and surface heating are expected before an eruption.
These signs may provide days or even weeks of advance warning. However, the AVO cautions that an eruption could occur with little or no warning, posing significant risks to those near the volcano or flying overhead.
Mount Spurr is among Alaska’s 53 historically active volcanoes within the last 250 years. It has two main vents: the summit vent and the Crater Peak vent.
While the summit vent hasn’t erupted in over 5,000 years, Crater Peak has seen eruptions in 1953 and three separate eruptions in 1992. Although there have been periods of increased activity, including seismic events between 2004 and 2006, no eruptions have occurred since 1992.
The AVO raised the alert level for Mount Spurr from green to yellow last October due to increased seismic activity and ground deformation observed via satellite.
Scientists believe that any potential eruption would likely resemble the 1953 and 1992 events. These eruptions lasted between three and seven hours, creating ash columns exceeding 50,000 feet above sea level.
In 1992, Anchorage experienced about a quarter-inch of ashfall, leading residents to stay indoors or wear masks outside. The ash cloud even reached as far as Greenland.
Such an eruption could lead to airport closures in Anchorage and other communities, as was the case in 1992. This poses a significant concern for Alaska, where air travel is essential due to the limited road system connecting many communities.
The potential disruption to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, a major cargo hub, could also have broader economic implications.
While the AVO acknowledges the possibility of the current activity subsiding without an eruption or resulting in a smaller event, they remain vigilant in monitoring the situation and providing updates to the public.