Mount Spurr eruption resources
Mount Spurr is the closet active volcano to Anchorage and the Mat-Su Valley, and as of March 2025, scientists are warning all signs point to a possible eruption in "weeks to months." Mount Spurr is in a very remote region 80 miles west of Anchorage, so the main concern is ashfall and its impacts to aviation and public health.
The Alaska Volcano Observatory currently lists the alert level as "yellow," which is advisory, meaning there is unrest and signs of a possible eruption. The two levels above that are "orange" which means there are more signs an eruption is imminent. The "red" level means a hazardous eruption is "imminent, under way or suspected."
Mount Spurr most recently erupted three times in 1992, the second of which blew ash into Southcentral Alaska. Should that happen this year, here is what to know:
- Ash can cause respiratory problems. You can protect yourself by staying indoors, or by wearing a mask (such as an N95) mask when outside.
- Avoid tracking ash inside, and pets should be brought inside.
- Avoid using your windshield wipers as ash will scratch your windshield. Try pouring wiper fluid.
- Avoid driving as much as possible and bring your vehicle into a garage if possible. Replace your air filter and change your oil frequently to avoid damage.
- Aviation could be significantly impacted as planes can not fly through ash clouds that form in the atmosphere.
Resources
Alaska Volcano Observatory provides continual monitoring of Mount Spurr.
Ted Stevens International Airport will have continual information about flight statuses and impacts.
