Mount Spurr, an 11,070-foot volcano located 81 miles west of Anchorage, Alaska, is showing signs of activity after years of quiet. “For years, it remained quiet—its snow-covered peak barely drawing attention.” But recently, over 3,400 earthquakes have been recorded under the mountain in a year, suggesting magma is rising beneath the surface.

This seismic pattern is similar to activity before the 1992 eruption, when “Mount Spurr erupted three times… sent ash clouds over Anchorage, disrupted air travel, and caused health problems.” Scientists are closely monitoring the volcano using satellites, gas detectors, and ground sensors. Though the alert level is still moderate, rising gas levels and earth movements raise concern.

Residents are preparing for the worst. “They’re buying masks, goggles, and air purifiers,” while health officials warn ash can cause serious respiratory issues. “These particles are sharp and abrasive, not soft like fireplace soot.”

The volcano’s history is helping experts anticipate possible outcomes. “Mount Spurr has done this before—and it can do it again.” Past ash clouds reached 12 miles high and affected thousands in Anchorage.

For now, Alaska waits and watches. As one local put it: “When the ground talks, we listen.”