Isn't one of the ways check Coinmarketcap and then check which went up the most the last week or day? Of course if you do that... well many coins probably already hit the peak or close to it?
Yes but this way on CMC means you only find it out after the fact. Naturally, OP wants to know how to detect it before it happens, if there's any signs to give clues to you that a coin's about to explode.
My short answer: not really. You may find out if you're following closely but can you afford to follow a lot of altcoins closely? Not if you want to have a real life and real job:)