Alaska’s imposing Mount Spurr, a towering 11,000-foot volcano located just 80 miles west of Anchorage, is once again making its presence known—and this time, it may not go back to sleep quietly. Scientists from the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) are on high alert after a swarm of more than 50 earthquakes rattled the ground beneath the icy peak in just one week.
According to a report from Daily Mail, the quakes—many of them occurring in rapid succession—signal a troubling development: magma is on the move. Rising from deep within the Earth, it’s cracking and stressing the rock as it pushes upward, suggesting the volcano may be inching closer to an eruption.
Anchorage on Edge: “It’s Not If, It’s When”
The bustling city of Anchorage, home to over 300,000 residents, has found itself in the volcanic crosshairs—not directly in the lava’s path, but vulnerable to the ash clouds that could follow. The city’s emergency planners aren’t taking any chances. Level 2 emergency protocols are in effect, with authorities urging residents to stockpile essentials: food, water, baby formula, pet supplies, and N95 masks.
Shoppers have cleared shelves of bottled water and respiratory gear, with many Anchorage locals taking to social media to share their “volcano prep kits.” Among the more unique items? Dog goggles and respirators.
“We’re getting ready for the volcanic eruption,” said TikTok user Angela Łot’oydaatlno Gonzalez in a now-viral video. Her dogs, reluctantly wearing protective eyewear, have become unlikely mascots of Anchorage’s preparedness movement.
Ash, Fire, and History Repeating
If Mount Spurr erupts, experts warn it won’t be a gentle show of steam and smoke—it will be explosive. According to Matt Haney, scientist-in-charge at AVO, the eruption could unleash towering plumes of volcanic ash shooting 50,000 feet into the sky.
Each ash burst could last up to four hours, creating massive clouds that may blanket Anchorage in darkness, just as it did in 1992 when the volcano’s Crater Peak vent erupted. That event shut down the city’s airport for nearly a full day and left an eerie layer of ash across the city. The upcoming eruption, Haney predicts, would likely mirror that event—only this time, the city is better prepared, but perhaps more anxious than ever.
The Volcano Whispers: Clues From Beneath the Surface
While no visible eruption has yet occurred, signs of unrest continue. Mount Spurr has been emitting elevated gas levels, and ground deformation—an ominous signal of internal pressure—has been on and off since late 2023. Although no sulfur dioxide emissions were detected over the past week, cloudy skies have made satellite monitoring difficult.
The earthquakes, however, tell a clear story. Starting in April 2024, the rate of seismic events surged dramatically. From about 30 quakes per week, the number skyrocketed to 125 by early October—and that pattern hasn’t let up since.
Gearing Up: From Pet Fashion to Survival Mode
For pet lovers in Anchorage, volcanic preparedness has taken a stylish and practical twist. Stores like AK Bark have sold over 500 pairs of dog goggles in March alone, and demand is so high for pet respirators that owner Mark Robokoff has already pre-sold more than 1,800 units.
The city has also issued formal guidelines for pet care during an eruption: keep animals indoors, have at least two weeks’ worth of food and medication on hand, and don’t forget to clean ash from their fur.
According to a report from Daily Mail, the quakes—many of them occurring in rapid succession—signal a troubling development: magma is on the move. Rising from deep within the Earth, it’s cracking and stressing the rock as it pushes upward, suggesting the volcano may be inching closer to an eruption.
Anchorage on Edge: “It’s Not If, It’s When”
The bustling city of Anchorage, home to over 300,000 residents, has found itself in the volcanic crosshairs—not directly in the lava’s path, but vulnerable to the ash clouds that could follow. The city’s emergency planners aren’t taking any chances. Level 2 emergency protocols are in effect, with authorities urging residents to stockpile essentials: food, water, baby formula, pet supplies, and N95 masks.
Shoppers have cleared shelves of bottled water and respiratory gear, with many Anchorage locals taking to social media to share their “volcano prep kits.” Among the more unique items? Dog goggles and respirators.
“We’re getting ready for the volcanic eruption,” said TikTok user Angela Łot’oydaatlno Gonzalez in a now-viral video. Her dogs, reluctantly wearing protective eyewear, have become unlikely mascots of Anchorage’s preparedness movement.
❗️🌋🇺🇲 - Mount Spurr Volcano Nears Eruption, Threatening Anchorage
— 🔥🗞The Informant (@theinformant_x) April 12, 2025
Alaska’s 11,000-foot Mount Spurr is showing signs of an imminent eruption, with frequent earthquakes signaling rising magma. The Alaska Volcano Observatory recorded 55 quakes last week, with seismic activity… pic.twitter.com/QUlX4dIUqG
Ash, Fire, and History Repeating
If Mount Spurr erupts, experts warn it won’t be a gentle show of steam and smoke—it will be explosive. According to Matt Haney, scientist-in-charge at AVO, the eruption could unleash towering plumes of volcanic ash shooting 50,000 feet into the sky.
Each ash burst could last up to four hours, creating massive clouds that may blanket Anchorage in darkness, just as it did in 1992 when the volcano’s Crater Peak vent erupted. That event shut down the city’s airport for nearly a full day and left an eerie layer of ash across the city. The upcoming eruption, Haney predicts, would likely mirror that event—only this time, the city is better prepared, but perhaps more anxious than ever.
The Volcano Whispers: Clues From Beneath the Surface
While no visible eruption has yet occurred, signs of unrest continue. Mount Spurr has been emitting elevated gas levels, and ground deformation—an ominous signal of internal pressure—has been on and off since late 2023. Although no sulfur dioxide emissions were detected over the past week, cloudy skies have made satellite monitoring difficult.
The earthquakes, however, tell a clear story. Starting in April 2024, the rate of seismic events surged dramatically. From about 30 quakes per week, the number skyrocketed to 125 by early October—and that pattern hasn’t let up since.
Gearing Up: From Pet Fashion to Survival Mode
For pet lovers in Anchorage, volcanic preparedness has taken a stylish and practical twist. Stores like AK Bark have sold over 500 pairs of dog goggles in March alone, and demand is so high for pet respirators that owner Mark Robokoff has already pre-sold more than 1,800 units.
The city has also issued formal guidelines for pet care during an eruption: keep animals indoors, have at least two weeks’ worth of food and medication on hand, and don’t forget to clean ash from their fur.
You may also like
Baloch rebels used US weapons to hijack Pakistan's Jaffar Express: Report
Donald Trump dismisses Xi Jinping's Vietnam tour as effort to 'screw' US
'Jaat akad. I won't stand behind Aamir Khan': Why Randeep Hooda rejected 'Rang De Basanti'
Mediterranean city has 14 Blue Flag beaches, medieval castle and £1 pints
'I thought my son had a crush on classmate – the truth left me horrified'