Oct 4 2007 - Young River camera deployed

The automatic camera installed overlooking the landslide dam blocking the Young River. The camera takes pictures at one minute intervals during daylight. The camera has to be visited to download the images which will be done as weather permits.

As part of the ongoing GeoNet landslide response, scientists from GNS Science along with personnel from the Department of Conservation and Otago Regional Council visited the Young River to further assess the landslide dam blocking the river. During the trip Dr Vern Manville installed an automatic remote camera that takes pictures every minute during daylight, and an Acoustic Flow Meter (AFM) that can measure vibrations associated with over topping or breach of the dam. Both the camera and the AFM require a site visit to download data which will be done as weather permits. Any data they provide will be very important for understanding landslide dam processes. Dr Manville, who previously filmed the Mt Ruapehu lahar breakout using the same equipment, said, "Given that the dam is likely to reach capacity during heavy rain, snow, or the hours of darkness, and the number of keas in the area, there is a small probability of getting good images. It's a case of waiting and seeing when we are able to download the camera".

The deployment of further equipment is being considered and updates will be made as information becomes available.

The Young River landslide dam on October 3 during a visit to install monitoring equipment.