Mount Spurr, located roughly 75 miles west of Anchorage, Alaska, is stirring with signs of a potential eruption in the coming weeks or months. The Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) has been tracking its activity since April 2024, observing a notable uptick in recent months. Scientists have recorded increased volcanic gas emissions, reactivated gas vents, persistent earthquakes, and ground deformation—all pointing to magma movement beneath the volcano’s surface.
This isn’t Mount Spurr’s first rumble. It erupted explosively in 1953 and again in 1992, sending ash clouds across Southcentral Alaska, including Anchorage. The current unrest, which began in October 2024 and grew more intense by early 2025, echoes patterns seen before the 1992 eruption. While an eruption isn’t guaranteed, experts consider it probable, likely involving one or more short, explosive events.
Should Mount Spurr erupt, the consequences could be far-reaching. Ash clouds might blanket Anchorage and nearby areas, halting air travel, damaging crops, and threatening public health with hazardous ashfall. The AVO has set an Advisory Alert Level and a Yellow Aviation Color Code, signaling elevated unrest without an imminent eruption.
To stay ahead of the threat, the AVO employs an array of tools—seismic stations, web cameras, and satellite data—to monitor the volcano closely. These efforts aim to provide early warnings, giving communities time to prepare or evacuate if needed. Though the timing remains uncertain, the evidence is unmistakable: Mount Spurr is restless. Staying informed and ready is essential as this natural giant looms over Alaska’s landscape.
