Oct 18 2005, 3:00 pm - Ruapehu Volcano

Recent Crater Lake visits have recorded a continuing fall in the temperature of the lake, following a peak of 38°C in early September. On 24 September, the temperature was down to 34°C, and by 12 October the temperature was down further to 30°C. This would indicate the recent heating cycle of the lake is over.

During the period when the lake was at its hottest steam plumes were seen above the volcano on several days above the volcano, but no eruptive activity was observed.

Seismic activity continues at about normal levels for Ruapehu, and routine monitoring of other parameters continues.

The Alert Level for Ruapehu remains at Alert Level 1, as there is no change in activity.

Brad Scott
Volcano Surveillance Co-ordinator