April 4, 2025
Dear Span Alaska Customer,
As you are likely aware, Mount Spurr, a volcano located 80 miles west of Anchorage, is experiencing increased seismic activity. The Alaska Volcanic Observatory (AVO) recently stated that a volcanic eruption there was “likely, but not certain, to occur within the next few weeks or months.” As of this morning, AVO’s eruption Alert Level was at Yellow, or “Advisory” (https://avo.alaska.edu).
On April 1st, AVO stated in part:
“Unrest continues at Mount Spurr volcano. Seismicity remains elevated with numerous small, shallow volcanic earthquakes detected beneath the volcano over the past day. No activity detected in satellite data or web-camera data.”
If Mount Spurr erupts, it is not certain that wind conditions would push the ashfall to Anchorage, but it has occurred during Mount Spurr eruptions in 1953 and 1992. If ashfall occurs in Anchorage in the coming weeks or months, it will likely impact Span Alaska operations, depending on the specific conditions at the time. Volcanic ash is highly corrosive and can impact people as well as machinery.
The purpose of this Advisory is to make you aware of the potential impact as well as actions we all can take to safeguard equipment and make the return to normal operations as quick as possible:
Vessels and Aircraft: During an ashfall, our ocean carrier partners will likely not be able to operate vessels or terminal equipment, due to the safety risks for personnel and equipment. Refrigerated containers plugged into shore power will continue to operate. Air flights may also be delayed, reduced, or rerouted to avoid atmospheric ash.
Trucks and Facilities: Our deliveries may be impacted or delayed due to environmental conditions caused by the ashfall. Our Anchorage Service Center may have reduced operating hours or staff.
Communications: Should AVO and the U.S. Weather Service (USWS) projections indicate an impending eruption could impact our operations, Span Alaska will communicate regarding conditions and expectations through Advisories like this one, through our Sales and Customer Service teams, and on our website.
Return to Operations: When ashfall stops and conditions at the Anchorage Service Center are deemed safe, all Span Alaska equipment must be cleaned and cleared for return to operations. The amount of downtime will depend on several factors, including the accumulation of ash, yard conditions, and the volume of equipment returning to service.
If you have any questions, please contact your account executive or call Customer Service at 1-800-257-7726