The Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) issued an Advisory alert for Mount Spurr in October due to increased seismic activity and gas emissions near its surface. The volcano had two major eruptions in 1992 and 1953, which released ash clouds across hundreds of miles and dropped quarter-inch thick volcanic ash throughout the region, including Anchorage. The 1992 eruption at Mount Spurr resulted in the complete closure of Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport and produced weeks of air quality warnings.
A new ash cloud formation depends on wind direction, eruption strength, and occurrence time.
In an interview with KSRM’s Life on the Kenai, AVO geologist Michelle Coombs discussed preparatory actions at an early stage…