Mount Spurr, the towering volcano located approximately 80 miles west of Anchorage, is under close surveillance following signs of potential volcanic activity. USGS Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) officials say there has been a major increase in earthquake activity at Mount Spurr. This spike has led many to worry that an eruption could happen within the next few weeks or months. At 11,070 feet tall, Mount Spurr is the tallest of the Aleutian Range’s many volcanoes. It is known for violent explosive types of eruptions, with the last major activity taking place in 1992.
The volcano’s central summit and its distinctive large flank vent, Crater Peak, have been the central features of infamous past explosive eruptions. Crater Peak is two miles south of the summit and was very active in 1953. It reawakened in the winter of 1992. Photo by Peter Ward. On the 1992 eruptions chronology, Mount Spurr erupted three times. The first of the 1992 eruptions began on June 27. The ash cloud from this event shot 9 miles up to the stratosphere into the air. It disrupted air travel throughout the region and blanketed the city of Anchorage in ash.
“The major hazards to Alaska residents from Spurr would be from ash risk to aviation and possible ashfall. The location, duration, and timing of the impacts would depend on the size and duration of the eruption as well as weather conditions during and afterwards.” – AVO representatives
As experienced volcano watchers know, the AVO has been watching Mount Spurr hard to catch any signs of unusual activity. In their most recent report, they noted a dramatic increase in earthquake activity. This rise is usually a sign that explosive volcanic eruptions are soon to occur. If we see additional evidence of an eruption on the way at Mount Spurr, we would increase the alert level to orange/watch. It might even rise all the way to red/warning level. The main signs to look for are shifts in seismic activity, rising gas release, and movement in the shape of the land.
“Robust steaming was observed from the summit yesterday due to favorable atmospheric and viewing conditions.” – AVO representatives
Residents in Anchorage and surrounding areas—including some 350,000 Alaskans—are warned to remain aware of the volcano’s activity. If one of these volcanoes should erupt, the greatest immediate threat to health and safety is from ashfall. The best way to limit exposure is to stay indoors, and wear masks if outside—and in the long term, avoid breathing airborne ash altogether,” the AVO adds.
“Those concerned about breathing in the airborne ash are advised to stay indoors, or wear a mask when venturing outside.” – AVO representatives
The eruption has already created widespread hazards, especially from ashfall that can affect aviation. Besides the threat of eruption, volcano residents endure other hazards. No residents live in the hazard zones they identified for pyroclastic flows and lahars. These are the same places that people often go to nourish their recreational pursuits and practice subsistence activities.
“The other hazards from a Mount Spurr eruption would only affect the areas immediately surrounding the volcano. While there are no residents in the identified hazard areas for pyroclastic flows and lahars, people do visit the area for recreational or subsistence purposes.” – AVO representatives
