Jul 13 1996, 11:00 am - Ruapehu Volcano

Seismicity emanating from Mt. Ruapehu has been at a relatively low level since 4 am. Two periods of elevated seismic activity occurred overnight, the first lasting from approximately 22:30 to 00:30 and the second from approximately 01:30 to 04:00 this morning. These periods of elevated seismicity probably produced ash which was dispersed to the east by the prevailing wind and which has been reported by pilots this morning in the Poverty Bay area. This plume is now detached from the volcano and is likely to cease to cease to pose a problem very soon.

There have been no visual observations since late yesterday afternoon and the summit of Ruapehu is not visible this morning.

Despite the current low level of activity, the volcano remains potentially active and the Alert Level remains at 3.

Bruce Houghton

Carol Bryan