Alaska Volcano Alert: Residents Urged to Prepare for Potential Mount Spurr Eruption
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – Authorities are advising residents in south-central Alaska to prepare for a potential eruption of Mount Spurr volcano.
The Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) announced that Alaskans should “familiarize themselves with the possible hazards of a Spurr eruption” after an increased likelihood of volcanic activity was reported last week.
Volcanic Ash Hazards
In a Wednesday post on X, the AVO stated, “The primary dangers to Alaska residents from Spurr would be ashfall and the risk to aviation from volcanic ash.”
Volcanic ash poses several hazards:
- Respiratory Irritation: Ash can be harmful to the eyes and lungs.
- Vehicle Damage: Ash can damage vehicles and machinery.
- Physical Burden: The weight of ash can make cleanup physically demanding.
The observatory recommends that residents stay indoors if ash is present and wear a face mask if they must go outside.
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Other Potential Hazards
A Mount Spurr eruption could also trigger volcanic mudflows and pyroclastic flows. Pyroclastic flows are rapid, scorching currents of ash, volcanic rock, and gas. The AVO noted that pyroclastic flows would primarily affect areas immediately surrounding the volcano.
While volcanic mudflows are also a possibility, they pose minimal risk to communities as there are no settlements in the immediate vicinity of the volcano.
Proximity to Communities and Tourist Areas
Mount Spurr, while unpopulated in its immediate surroundings, is a tourist destination. Nearby communities include Beluga, Nikiski, Salamatof, Tyonek, and Susitna. Anchorage is located approximately 80 miles from Mount Spurr.
Visitor Advisory
The AVO advisory cautioned: “Anyone planning to visit the area around Spurr should be aware of these hazards. Stay informed about Spurr’s activity by subscribing to the Volcano Notification Service and adhere to any restrictions implemented by land and emergency management agencies.”
Eruption Impacts: Timing and Duration
The AVO clarified that the timing, location, and duration of eruption impacts will depend on weather patterns and the scale and length of the volcanic event.
Historical Eruptions of Mount Spurr
Past eruptions of Mount Spurr in 1953 and 1992 were explosive, according to the Alaska Volcano Observatory website.
1953 Eruption
The 1953 eruption featured a single, powerful, hour-long explosion that generated an ash plume reaching 30,000 feet.
Anchorage experienced about a quarter-inch of ashfall, leading to a two-day closure of Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport.
1992 Eruption
The 1992 eruption involved three explosions occurring in June, August, and September. The ash plume from the initial explosion reached 47,500 feet, and the second explosion resulted in a 20-hour shutdown of the Anchorage airport.