Alaska's Mount Spurr Volcano Shows Heightened Eruption Risk

Scientists report increased seismic activity, gas emissions, and ground deformation, signaling a potential eruption in the coming weeks or months.

Mount Spurr, located 75 miles west of Anchorage, is experiencing signs of volcanic unrest, including elevated gas emissions and persistent earthquakes.
Recent overflights detected sulfur dioxide levels nine times higher than in December, alongside significant carbon dioxide emissions, indicating magma movement beneath the surface.
Ground deformation and the appearance of a summit lake suggest accumulating magma, with Crater Peak identified as the most likely eruption site based on historical activity.
Previous eruptions from Crater Peak in 1953 and 1992 caused ash clouds, minor ashfall in south-central Alaska, and disruptions to air travel, highlighting potential impacts of a future eruption.
While an eruption is not imminent, scientists are closely monitoring for stronger volcanic tremors or other warning signs that could precede an explosive event.