Alaska's Mount Spurr is exhibiting indications of increased activity, prompting scientists to warn that the volcano might be poised to erupt for the first time in 30 years.
The Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) has observed steady and ongoing ground swelling, which indicates possible magma buildup underneath.
The AVO stated that an eruption is "possible within the coming weeks or months, though it is not guaranteed."
Why It Matters
Located approximately 80 miles west of Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city by population, Mount Spurr is among the state's most monitored volcanoes. Its last eruption occurred in 1992, covering south Alaska with ash and disrupting aviation services.
When that volcano erupted, Anchorage International Airport closed down for 20 hours. If such an incident happened again, we might face comparable consequences.
What To Know
The Alaska Volcano Observatory has confirmed that Mount Spurr is exhibiting signs of activity. indications of revived volcanic activity including heightened levels of gas emissions, increased seismic activity, and observable ground deformations.
On March 7, overflights recorded a sulfur dioxide emission rate of approximately 440 tons daily. Additionally, elevated levels of carbon dioxide were observed both at the summit and near the Crater Peak vent.
"The ongoing disturbances at Mount Spurr suggest that fresh magma has penetrated the Earth's crust under the volcano, thereby increasing the likelihood of an eruption," stated the AVO update.
Chances are high that magma has been building up under the summit of Mount Spurr over several months now. Recent gas readings indicate that a new route might have formed toward the Crater Peak vent, allowing fresh magma to ascend and potentially cause an eruption at this location. All recorded eruptions have taken place at Crater Peak. The most recent documented eruption from the top of Spurr happened thousands of years ago.
The AVO indicated that it was probable the area might experience an explosive eruption akin to those in 1953 and 1992, each originating from the Crater Peak vent and lasting several hours.
These past eruptions propelled ash clouds for hundreds of miles downwind and left behind as much as a quarter-inch layer of ash over portions of southern-central Alaska. The upper Chakachatna River Valley might be impacted by pyroclastic flows and mudflows, also known as lahars.
DIWIDA reported this week that the observatory’s functioning was under threat due to the Department of Government Efficiency issued a lease termination which endangered its Anchorage base. In Alaska, this was Republican Representative Nick Begich stepped in to assist in ensuring the facility remained operational.
What People Are Saying
The Department of the Interior said on X in February: Experts specializing in volcanoes are keeping a close eye on Mount Spurr in Alaska due to an ongoing sequence of minor, shallow seismic events under the volcano, which suggest continued eruptive activity. Aerial footage captured on February 7, 2025, reveals a tiny lake situated within the snow-covered crater.
What Happens Next
The AVO states they intend to carry out regular flyovers to assess gas emissions, examine surface alterations, and gauge ground temperature levels.
"The consideration includes installing extra surveillance equipment due to the ongoing instability," it stated.
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