Apr 27 1995 - Ruapehu Volcano

On 13 March the temperature of Crater Lake receded below 47 °C, thus enabling data to be obtained via the ARGOS satellite recording system. From then until about 15 April, the lake temperature was declining, reaching a low of 35 °C. Thereafter a slow rise commenced. On 24 - 25 April a rapid rise in lake temperature occurred, accompanied by an increase in volcanic tremor and acoustic noise output. As of 27 April the lake temperature has exceeded 47 °C.

Alert Status

Based on the above information we recommend the Alert Level be raised back to 2, and also recommend restrictions on access to Crater Lake basin are reinstated.

B.F. Houghton
Acting Volcanology Programme Leader