Alaska is bracing for a possible volcano eruption after dozens of small earthquakes rocked Mount Spurr, an 11,000-foot peak just 80 miles from Anchorage.
The Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) confirmed more than 30 tremors in a single week. Some came in clusters known as “swarms,” hinting that magma may be on the move beneath the surface.
Warning Signs Spark Emergency Planning
Experts say rising magma is cracking rocks and building pressure underground. These signs prompted officials to issue a warning and activate emergency response plans.
Anchorage, home to over 300,000 residents, has been urged to stock up on essentials. Food, baby formula, water, and pet supplies are flying off store shelves. Locals are preparing for disrupted deliveries and widespread ash clouds.
Eruption Could Spew Ash 50,000 Feet High
Matt Haney, the lead scientist at AVO, warned that if Mount Spurr erupts, it won’t be mild.
“This would be explosive,” he said, predicting plumes of ash shooting up to 50,000 feet. Each event could last several hours, blanketing Anchorage in dust and ash.
Ash can harm eyes, lungs, and the heart, especially for people with asthma or pre-existing conditions. Officials are stressing the importance of N95 masks and protective gear.
History Suggests Danger Is Real
Mount Spurr’s summit hasn’t erupted in 5,000 years. But Crater Peak, a side vent, blew in 1992. That blast covered Anchorage in ash and shut down the city’s airport for nearly a full day.
AVO reports that gas levels and seismic activity have risen steadily since April 2024. Weekly earthquake averages jumped from 30 to 125 by October — a level that has persisted since.
Although most quakes remain small, their frequency and pattern suggest magma is rising fast.
Pets and People Both Prepare
Residents aren’t just preparing for themselves. They’re gearing up their pets too.
Facebook pages like local shop AK Bark have exploded with photos of dogs in goggles and respirators. One local joked, “They’re not happy with the goggles, but we’re ready for the blast.”
The store has sold more than 500 goggles and pre-sold 1,800 dog respirators in March alone.
City officials recommend keeping pets indoors and brushing ash off their fur if they go outside. Two weeks of food and medication are also recommended.
City Ramps Up Safety Protocols
Anchorage officials raised the emergency level to Level 2 in March. That means they’re now preparing to respond quickly and keep the public informed.
The city has advised sealing windows and doors with tape, stocking clean water, and being ready to shelter in place.
Even though Anchorage isn’t in the direct blast zone, heavy ash could still choke the skies. Travel, power, and basic services could be interrupted.
Locals Gear Up for the Worst
TikTok user Angela Gonzalez went viral with her volcano prep haul. Her video showed dog goggles, water jugs, face masks, and supplies ready to go.
“We’re getting ready for the volcanic eruption,” she said, holding up her gear. “We need ear protection next.”
Her dogs, outfitted with heart-shaped goggles, are now icons in Anchorage’s disaster prep efforts.
Volcano eruption: Experts Urge Vigilance
AVO says any eruption would likely be preceded by more signs — gas, ground shifts, and surface changes.
Still, the rate of seismic activity and visible gas emissions make it clear: Mount Spurr is waking up.
Haney confirmed that any new eruption would likely mirror the 1992 event from Crater Peak. Back then, the skies turned dark midday, and businesses came to a standstill.
The Clock Is Ticking
With every quake, the urgency builds. Emergency alerts are ready. Shelves are being cleared. And scientists are watching Mount Spurr around the clock.
Residents of Anchorage know what’s at stake. They’ve seen the history. They’ve read the warnings. Now, they’re doing everything they can to prepare before the next major volcano eruption strikes.
