Travel Alerts
Mt. Spurr Eruption Preparedness
As the snow melts here in Alaska, we are gearing up and preparing for summer adventures! One additional item we are preparing for this year is a potential eruption of Mount Spurr. Mount Spurr is a potentially active volcano just west of Anchorage and has recently shown increased activity. While an eruption is not guaranteed, we are taking steps to be prepared in case it does. The last time it erupted in 1992 the ash cloud it generated interrupted air traffic and made a mess for a few days before everything returned to normal. We anticipate a similar, short term interruption to travel if an eruption happens again.
We'd like to take this opportunity to provide a few resources and tips that you can use to be prepared prior to your trip to help you stay safe, protect our rig, and roll with whatever Mother Nature throws your way.
Before the eruption
Stay prepared
Protect your trip
Consider purchasing travel insurance. Even if you don't typically purchase travel insurance, this is a good time to consider doing so. While we will do our very best to adjust reservations as needed in case of an eruption, our cancellation policy remains in effect if an eruption should occur.
Travel insurance does not need to be purchased at the time of booking and generally may be purchased up until the day before travel. However, if an eruption or other travel disruption becomes a "foreseeable event" before you purchase, travel disruptions related to that event will not be covered.
Travel Insured is our recommended travel insurance carrier.
Sign up for alerts
Follow the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO), USGS Volcanoes and Alaska Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Management Facebook pages.
Use apps like Nixle, MyShake, or NOAA Weather Radio for real-time updates.
Know the ash forecast zones—ash fall depends on winds at the time of eruption. Ash clouds often drift east, affecting Anchorage, the Mat-Su Valley, and sometimes the Kenai Peninsula.
Have at least 3–5 days of food, water, fuel, and propane on board. Extra vehicle air filters will be provided by Alaska Overlander. Plan to bring a few N95 masks and goggles.
During & after
If ash is falling
During an eruption
Shelter in place if ash is falling: DO NOT DRIVE in ash—it clogs air filters, reduces visibility, and damages engines.
Close all windows. Turn off or switch vents to internal circulation.
Wear a mask outdoors—volcanic ash is microscopic glass. Remove contact lenses immediately and keep goggles handy.
After the ash fall
Clean up gently—ash is abrasive. Use soft brushes or leaf blowers (not water, which makes ash like concrete).
Clean air intakes, solar panels, and slide mechanisms thoroughly. Inspect and replace filters even after light ash fall.
Wait for road crews to clear major highways. Check Alaska 511 for road updates.
As always, we're hoping Mt. Spurr hits the snooze button, but it's always better to be ready than caught off guard.
Questions about your trip?
Contact us or review our rental policies before you travel.
Book your expedition