The Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) said Friday that an active volcano on Mount Spurr could soon erupt after 73 earthquakes struck the area over the previous week.
An imminent eruption could cause the evacuation of 300,000 residents in Anchorage 80 miles away who could be in danger from its effects, AVO said. Those who don't evacuate may have to wear N95 masks and stockpile food and water to avoid contamination.
In addition, flights over the area could be halted because of visibility concerns from the volcanic ash cloud that would result from an eruption.
Besides the 73 recorded earthquakes, "much smaller quakes are occurring several times per hour," the observatory said.
Steam has been seen rising from the volcano along with increased gas emissions.
Magma rising toward the surface is also causing pressure and fractures in the rock that surrounds it.
The level of unrest at the volcano is somewhat lower than a few months ago, but remains elevated.
"Unrest continues at Mount Spurr, though at a lower level than observed in early 2025," AVO said.
'While the likelihood of an eruption has decreased since March, the volcano remains at an elevated level of unrest.'
The last two eruptions of the volcano were in 1953 and 19920--relatively recent for volcanoes.
During those eruptions, explosive bursts lasting several hours spewed volcanic ash across southcentral Alaska. Fortunately, there are no communities close enough to be affected by volcanic debris and mudslides that could also occur in the area.
After the last eruption, the Anchorage Airport had to shut down for 20 hours, and it looked dark as night in the area during that time from the ash.
The disruption of the 8,000 cargo planes that fly over the area each month could impact the global supply chain, according to the Daily Mail.
Experts have said the next eruption could be within "weeks to months," but there is no exact time frame at this point.
