300,000 Americans on Alert as Massive 11,000-Foot Volcano Shows Signs of Imminent Eruption

Tension is rising for 300,000 Americans as Mount Spurr, a towering 11,000-foot volcano in Alaska, shows increasing signs of a potential eruption.

Located about 81 miles west of Anchorage, Mount Spurr has recently exhibited activity suggesting that an eruption may be approaching. Anchorage, Alaska’s most populous city, is now preparing for what could become a major natural disaster.

Earlier this month, authorities announced that the probability of an eruption had risen significantly, warning that it could occur “within the next few weeks or months.”

In response, residents have begun taking precautionary measures. Some locals even told NPR they’ve purchased protective goggles for their dogs to shield them from ash exposure. The city has issued pet safety guidelines and emphasized the risk of volcanic ash entering the lungs—both animal and human.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, volcanic ash consists of fine, jagged particles of rock and natural glass, which can be harmful when inhaled. In preparation, many Anchorage residents are sealing windows with tape and preparing to stay indoors in the event of an eruption.

The Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) has been closely monitoring Mount Spurr’s activity. In an April 8 update, the AVO reported:

“Unrest continues at Mount Spurr volcano. Seismicity remains elevated with occasional small, shallow volcanic earthquakes detected beneath the volcano over the past day.”

The observatory added that it continues to watch for further signs indicating that the volcano may be moving closer to an eruption.

Matt Haney, lead scientist at the AVO, explained to Alaska Public Media that multiple warning signs are now present:

“It’s almost like we have a checklist of the usual signs that volcanoes give us before they erupt—and now we’re seeing all four indicators lighting up.”

While there is no definitive timeline, geologists now believe an eruption is more likely than not.

“We haven’t quantified it in terms of a percentage,” Haney said, “but the likelihood of an eruption is now judged to be greater than the chance that this unrest will just fade away.”

For now, Mount Spurr remains under Advisory status, with a Yellow alert level on the U.S. Geological Survey’s aviation color code—signaling signs of heightened unrest, but no confirmed eruption yet.

The situation continues to develop, and scientists remain vigilant as they monitor the volcano’s activity around the clock.