After decades of dormancy, Mount Spurr, a towering 11,070-foot stratovolcano located just 81 miles west of Anchorage, Alaska, is showing alarming signs of life. Once a quiet, snow-capped presence on the horizon, the volcano is now making headlines as it rumbles back to life, raising concerns for the safety of over 300,000 nearby residents.

The Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) has reported a dramatic surge in seismic activity around Mount Spurr. In the past year alone, scientists have recorded over 3,400 earthquakes beneath the volcano, with more than 100 occurring each week between February and March. This uptick in tremors suggests magma is moving beneath the surface, applying pressure to the earth’s crust—a classic warning sign that an eruption may be on the horizon.

For long-time Alaskans, this isn’t an unfamiliar threat. Mount Spurr last erupted in 1992, sending massive ash clouds high into the atmosphere and blanketing Anchorage with volcanic debris. The eruption caused flight cancellations, public health issues, and widespread disruption to daily life. The memory of that event still lingers, prompting many residents to begin preparations just in case history repeats itself.

People are taking no chances. Hardware stores report a spike in sales of N95 masks, protective goggles, and air purifiers. Families are sealing windows, assembling emergency kits, and staying tuned to updates from local authorities. The atmosphere is one of cautious vigilance, as residents wait to see if the mountain’s rumblings will escalate into a full-blown eruption.

AVO scientists are keeping a constant watch. Alongside traditional seismic monitoring, satellite imagery is being used to detect changes in the volcano’s shape—often an indicator of rising magma. Instruments are also tracking emissions of volcanic gases like sulfur dioxide, which can signal increasing activity. Although the official alert level for Mount Spurr remains moderate, the scientific community is on high alert, analyzing every movement and sound.

One particularly alarming aspect of this development is the health risk posed by volcanic ash. Unlike the soft ash from a fireplace, volcanic ash is made of tiny, jagged particles of rock and glass. During the 1992 eruption, this ash caused significant respiratory issues, especially for people with asthma or other lung conditions. Ashfall also irritated eyes, clogged air filters, and contaminated water supplies.

Experts are urging the public to prepare for potential ash exposure. That means stocking up on masks, sealing off air vents, and avoiding outdoor activity if ash begins to fall. Volcanic ash can also damage electronics, corrode engines, and significantly reduce driving visibility—making it a hazard for both people and infrastructure.

The past offers important lessons. Mount Spurr’s eruption history, including events in 1953 and 1992, has provided scientists with valuable data. By analyzing ash dispersion patterns, gas emissions, and seismic activity from those events, they’re building models to predict what a new eruption might look like.

Anchorage remains especially vulnerable, despite being across Cook Inlet from the volcano. Strong winds can carry ash across the water and dump it directly onto the city. During the 1992 eruption, ashfall reached over 12 miles into the sky and blanketed homes, schools, and businesses in Anchorage. Flights were grounded, and entire communities were forced indoors for days.

Today, authorities are working hand-in-hand with scientists to ensure the public stays informed. The Alaska Volcano Observatory operates around the clock, monitoring every shift and tremor. They use seismic sensors, thermal cameras, and satellite data to maintain constant surveillance. If Mount Spurr’s behavior changes suddenly, officials are ready to issue warnings and coordinate emergency responses.

Local communities are also doing their part. Emergency drills are being reviewed, schools are discussing response protocols, and businesses are making contingency plans. While there’s no panic, there’s a strong sense of awareness and readiness across the region. Life continues as normal, but with one eye on the volcano.

Living near a volcano comes with a unique mix of curiosity and caution. People are fascinated by nature’s power, but they also understand the dangers. As one Anchorage resident put it, “You learn to respect the mountain. When it talks, you listen.”

Right now, Mount Spurr isn’t erupting—but it’s not quiet either. The earthquakes, magma movement, and increasing gas emissions all point to a restless volcano beneath the surface. Whether it erupts tomorrow, next month, or next year, the region is more prepared than ever before.

Thanks to modern technology and lessons from the past, both scientists and citizens are taking proactive steps. The hope is that early warnings and preparedness will minimize disruption if the worst does happen.

Until then, Mount Spurr stands tall—blanketed in snow, hiding a fiery force beneath. And while it may look peaceful for now, everyone knows it’s only a matter of time before the mountain speaks again.