Eruption update: Mount Spurr

Correction: 3/25/25 6:47 p.m. The headline of this story previously read "Eruption alert: Mount Spurr" and was changed to "Eruption update: Mount Spurr."

The history of Mount Spurr spans 10,000 years, with at least seven confirmed eruptions, two of them being historically documented.

Mount Spurr is a stratovolcano with layers of lava and ash located roughly 80 miles west of Anchorage, making it visible from Anchorage and the Kenai Peninsula. The volcano is expected to erupt in the coming weeks or months. Previous eruptions disrupted daily life for Alaska residents.

According to the Alaska Volcano Observatory, known as AVO, Mount Spurr is currently labeled “Advisory” with a “Yellow” aviation code due to increasing earthquake activity, surface deformations and volcanic gas emissions as of March 12.

One memorable eruption occurred in July 1953 and lasted one week. 

After its 1953 eruption, the AVO recorded a quarter inch of ash covering Anchorage, prompting a temporary shutdown of Ted Stevens International Airport for two days and impacted air traffic at Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson from July 9 to 17. 

In June 1992, Mount Spurr erupted again and was active until Sept. 17, 1992, marking three months of ashy skies and turmoil for Anchorage residents. 

The thick ash in the air resulted in residents wearing face masks to protect themselves from the sharp volcanic ash that has been known to cause aircraft interference. 

There were no fatalities from the 1992 eruption, but two heart attacks were reported by the National Centers for Environmental Information. One fatality was suspected to be from shoveling ashfall. Cleanup and damage from the 1992 eruption cost approximately 2 million dollars. 

According to an article by Fox News, during Mount Redoubt’s eruption in 2009, a car mechanic recommended that residents cover their car engines with pantyhose due to the corrosive nature of volcanic ash, which can scratch paint and windshields. 

During a future eruption, there is a potential for ash to seep into resident's homes and cars. This could impact electrical equipment like monitors and engines. The ash is also very thick, which could affect normal breathing and require the use of N95 masks. 

According to an article by USA Today, the potential eruption is expected to be similar to the 1953 and 1992 eruptions, with heavy ashfall that will impact driving visibility, air quality, and regular daily functions. 

The location of ash fall depends on wind direction and speed. CBS News wrote that there is a possibility the airport will temporarily halt like it did in 1992, which could impede cargo and passenger flights, according to Alaska Public Media.

Residents can take action before the eruption by purchasing home and car air filters, goggles, N95 masks and stocking up on non-perishable food and water. 

Students can also visit the Seawolf Food Pantry in Room 211 of the Professional Sciences Building to acquire food and other necessary items. 

UAA’s Incident Management Team stated that students should stock up on essentials and stay updated via UA Alerts and UAA’s emergency website. Read more about how UAA is taking action in The Northern Light’s article titled: “Mount Spurr: UAA preparedness.”