Scientists are closely monitoring a massive volcano in Alaska that appears to be on the verge of eruption. Mount Spurr, a 11,000-foot-tall stratovolcano situated 81 miles west of Anchorage, has shown increased gas emissions from its summit and a side vent that last erupted in 1992 on March 7.
This uptick in emissions signifies a new phase in the volcano’s unrest that began in April 2024 when minor earthquakes indicated magma movement towards its vents. Ongoing seismic activity, coupled with the recent rise in volcanic gas emissions, has led scientists to caution that an eruption of Mount Spurr could happen in the upcoming weeks or months.
Matt Haney, the lead scientist at the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) of the US Geological Survey (USGS), stated that the eruption is likely to occur at the Crater Peak side vent and would be explosive, potentially releasing ash plumes soaring up to 50,000 feet into the sky.
Haney also warned of the possibility of destructive mudslides and volcanic debris avalanches traveling down the volcano’s side at speeds exceeding 200 miles per hour. However, he reassured that no nearby communities would be impacted. Each ash-producing event would last for three to four hours, potentially covering Anchorage and surrounding areas with a layer of dust.
The USGS has placed the volcano under “advisory” status, indicating heightened unrest. The research team has been monitoring the situation for approximately a year, noting that Mount Spurr’s previous eruptions in 1992 and 1953 originated from the Crater Peak side vent.
Estimates suggest that the volcano’s summit crater has remained dormant for the past 5,000 years, indicating that any future eruption is likely to come from the side vent. While predicting eruptions is challenging, the Alaska Volcano Observatory will continue close surveillance of Mount Spurr to enhance prediction capabilities.