Key Point Summary – Volcano Threatens Alaska

• Mount Spurr shows over 100 earthquakes a week
• Experts warn explosive eruption is still possible
• Ash cloud could blanket Anchorage, grounding planes
• Gas levels suggest magma may be near the surface
• Past eruptions caused wide ash fallout and chaos

Tremors Shake Mount Spurr Once Again

Alaska’s 11,000-foot Mount Spurr is back in the spotlight as tremors rattle the region. Over the past two weeks, more than 100 earthquakes per week have rocked the volcano’s base, echoing quake activity from earlier this spring.

The Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) sounded the alarm in a report dated May 28, warning that Spurr remains in an “elevated state of unrest.” While the chances of an eruption have dipped slightly, seismologists stress the threat is far from gone.

“We’re not out of the woods yet,” said Matt Haney of the AVO. “Earthquakes are still happening at Mount Spurr.”

Eruption Could Mirror 1992 Disaster

Spurr last exploded in 1992, coating Anchorage in ash and shutting down its airport. If it blows again, the eruption could mirror that event, with ash clouds shooting 50,000 feet into the sky and drifting hundreds of miles.

This time, officials are watching the volcano’s side vent, Crater Peak. That’s the same vent responsible for Spurr’s last major outbursts in 1953 and 1992.

AVO warned that a sudden eruption could unleash mudslides and avalanches of molten debris racing down the mountain at speeds up to 200 mph.

Mixed Signals From Below

A May 23 gas check detected CO2 emissions still “above background” levels — a possible sign of magma. Yet emissions haven’t significantly changed since April’s readings, leaving scientists puzzled.

Though some signs have eased, like a pause in the mountain’s deformation, seismic and gas data remain “inconclusive.”

“The system doesn’t look like it’s actively pressurizing,” the AVO noted, “but magma could still be lurking just below the surface.”

No Immediate Danger To Communities

While an eruption could trigger widespread ash fallout, officials say there are no towns close enough to be buried by debris flows. However, Anchorage — Alaska’s largest city — remains vulnerable to volcanic ash, which could choke airspace and disrupt travel.

Despite the uncertainty, experts say there would likely be early warning signs if Spurr begins to erupt. But until then, the region remains on high alert.