Ruapehu Volcanic Alert Level raised

5 May 2016

The Volcanic Alert Level on Mount Ruapehu has been raised to Level 2 following volcanologists' recent visits to the mountain.

The output of volcanic gas from Mt Ruapehu's crater lake, combined with moderate levels of volcanic tremors and a crater lake temperature of up to 46 degrees Celcius have prompted the raise from Level 1 to 2.

The Aviation Colour Code has also changed from green to yellow, which indicates the volcano is showing signs of elevated unrest.

The Department of Conservation has also issued a warning to climbers and trampers around Mount Ruapehu to refrain from entering the Summit Hazard Zone until further notice. This is the area within two kilometres of the centre of the crater lake and includes all the peaks in the summit area with Te Heuheu Peak on the north end of the summit area at the edge of the zone.

GNS Science volcanologists continue to closely monitor Ruapehu through the GeoNet project.