300,000 Americans Told To Get Ready As Volcano Eruption Appears Imminent

Hundreds of thousands of people living in Alaska are now on high alert, as scientists have warned that a nearby volcano could erupt at any time.

The U.S. has around 169 volcanoes that are classified as active, but it’s Mount Spurr—a towering 11,070-foot peak in Alaska that’s causing concern right now.

It sits not far from Anchorage, which is the largest city in the state.

To put it into perspective, Mount Spurr is actually nearly 2,000 feet taller than the famous Yellowstone supervolcano.

On a clear day, people in Anchorage, located about 81 miles away, can see it looming in the distance.

A recent report by the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) which regularly monitors around 90 of the 140 or so volcanoes in the state revealed something alarming.

They’ve recorded more than 100 small earthquakes every week under Mount Spurr between February and March.

Even more startling is the broader data: since April of last year, over 3,400 earthquakes have shaken the area surrounding the volcano.

Matt Haney, the lead scientist at AVO, spoke with Alaska Public Media to break down what an eruption might actually look and sound like.

There have been more than 3,400 earthquakes recorded under Mount Spurr, seen from Anchorage, since April last year Hasan Akbas/Anadolu via Getty Images

"A Spurr eruption similar to those in 1953 and 1992 would likely not be audible for people in Anchorage but would be audible if one were close to the volcano. However it wouldn't be advisable to be that close,"

"Ash-producing eruptions can produce volcanic lightning in the ash cloud due to friction between volcanic ash particles, and that lightning produces thunder, which may be audible at further distances."

"More often than not, we have explosive eruptions that fragment magma and shoot ash, you know, 50,000 feet into the atmosphere."

Mount Spurr last erupted in 1992, sending out three separate blasts—one each in June, August, and September. Before that, its only recorded explosion had been nearly 40 years earlier.

Haney recalled the 1992 event, saying: "On August 18, 1992, which was the second of the three explosions, the winds were blowing to Anchorage that day, and the ash was carried over Anchorage, and ashfall ensued on Anchorage."

It’s now been almost 43 years since that powerful eruption, and if it happens again, experts believe it could send a heavy layer of ash falling over Anchorage and nearby areas.

Location of Mount Spurr and Anchorage Alaska Volcano Observatory/Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys

People who live near Mount Spurr have already started to prepare for a potential eruption. Many are buying up face masks, goggles, gas masks, latex gloves, and stocking up on bottled water—just in case.

According to the International Volcanic Health Hazard Network (IVHHN), inhaling volcanic ash can be dangerous. It can lead to lung problems, particularly for anyone with asthma, and can also irritate your eyes, nose, and throat.