Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) scientists have issued a Mount Spurr eruption warning due to increased gas emissions and seismic activity near the volcano. The timing and magnitude of a potential eruption remain uncertain, but experts say the latest data suggests a growing likelihood.
Mount Spur, located 75 miles west of Anchorage, has shown worrying signs in recent months.
A recent bulletin from the Alaska Volcano Observatory states that an eruption in 2025 appears likely, though its timing and magnitude remain uncertain.
Scientists have detected high sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide levels, indicating magma movement beneath the volcano’s surface. Flights over Spurr last week recorded sulfur dioxide emissions nine times higher than in December, supporting concerns about increased volcanic activity.
AVO coordinating scientist David Fee states that increased gas emissions indicate increased volcanic stability. Since April 2024, scientists have been monitoring ground swelling and tracking frequent earthquakes near Spurr, which are indicators of the 1992 eruption.
That incident prompted folks to stay indoors as it covered Southcentral Alaska with ash and forced airport closures. The observatory warns that up to a quarter inch of ash might fall on the area in the event of another Spurr eruption, disrupting aviation infrastructure and air quality.
Scientists expect an eruption to be preceded by weeks of increased activity, such as continuous earthquakes and melting ice atop the volcano. However, AVO has not raised alert levels because strong, sustained volcanic tremors have yet appeared.
Observers have reported steam plumes from Spurr’s summit, but Fee clarified that atmospheric conditions rather than volcanic activity may cause them. Historical eruptions from Spurr have originated at Carter Peak rather than the main summit, and scientists believe the current activity follows the same pattern.
Meanwhile, AVO faces financial uncertainty due to federal budget restrictions. Earlier this year, funding freezes briefly disrupted data transmissions from the volcano, though workarounds have kept monitoring efforts operational.
Scientists continue monitoring Spurr closely, warning that volcanic conditions can change rapidly. The volcanic eruption warning remains in effect as researchers analyze new data and assess potential risks.
