By Molly Goddard
9:08am PDT, Mar 14, 2025
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Mount Spurr may be subject to a historic event in the coming days.
According to experts, the volcano near Anchorage,
Alaska, may erupt in the coming weeks after the last known explosion for the summit vent, which was more than 5,000 years ago. If the act of nature does occur, residents may have to adjust to the poor air quality it could cause.
Join us to hear why researchers say citizens should brace for volcanic emissions in the coming days…
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On Wednesday, March 12, the Alaska Volcano Observatory confirmed they recently detected "significantly elevated volcanic gas emissions" from Mount Spurr.
"We expect to see further increases in seismic activity, gas emissions and surface heating prior to an
eruption, if one were to occur," they explained in a statement via
CBS News. "Such stronger unrest may provide days to weeks of additional warning."
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Unfortunately, researchers say the explosion may be unpredictable. "While we expect additional changes to monitoring
data prior to an eruption, it is also possible that an eruption could occur with little or no additional warning," the observatory pointed out.
"This would be extremely hazardous for recreators on Mount Spurr or near its drainages as well as those overflying the volcano," they warned about the impact.
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53 volcanos have been active in Alaska over the past 250 years. However, it's been a long time since Mount Spurr saw any blasts.
In October 2024, experts began to see signs of an increase in seismic
activity, but they were unsure of the ramifications if the formation exploded. "It is also possible that no eruption occurs and the present activity slowly dies away or that a smaller eruption takes place," U.S. Geological Survey Geophysicist
John Power told the outlet.
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Per experts, over the past 100 years, eruptions have lasted between three and seven hours. The largest amount of ash reportedly rose more than 50,000 feet above sea level and left debris in surrounding areas of Alaska.
During a volcanic eruption in 1992, locals were asked to remain in their homes and wear protective masks in the days following the explosion. The activity also caused many airports around the city to
close temporarily.
