With summer temperatures coming upon us. We think of family vacations, often to cooler climates. While Alaska does have cooler temperatures and it is readily accessible during the summer months, another hazard may help you rethink your Alaska plans. They have an active volcano that is preparing to explode. One does not want to be stranded in a situation like that.
Which Mountain?
Mount Spurr is a famous mountain located in Southcentral Alaska, approximately 80 miles west of Anchorage.
Power Of Explosion
The largest concern at this time is the quantity of ash emitted and in which direction. However, dealing with more minor, continual issues, the AVO (Alaska Volcano Observatory) is reporting over 100 earthquakes per week. This has been happening for over a month. While most are not large- they are under 3.0- the quantity and discussion of possible large ones are to be taken seriously.
Ash Spread
The spreading of the ash once it does explode can cause great harm. Eruptions can last a few minutes to several hours. The thick ash clogs what it comes across. It harms lungs and hinders breathing, it damages vehicles, it stops plane engines, to name a few.
These hazards could affect those in Anchorage. If the wind blows differently, it could affect those south of the mountain. Residents could go days without any actual sunlight.
Travel
As one cannot foretell exactly the day or time of a volcanic explosion, travellers, as well as residents, need to consider carefully warnings from the AVO. This could be an opportunity you might want to pass over.
