Volcanic Alert Bulletins
Volcano Alert Bulletins (VABs) are New Zealand's official source of volcano status information including the current Volcanic Alert Level (VAL).
They are issued on an as needed basis summarising the volcano status and recent events.
They can indicate if activity is increasing, decreasing, or in a steady state. They may contain forecasts, highlight developing, or expected problems.
If you’d like to be notified as soon as we issue a new bulletin, our social media channels and the GeoNet app will keep you up-to-date.
Whakaari/White Island: Minor volcanic unrest continues. Aviation Colour code changed to Green, Volcanic Alert Level remains Level 1.
Based on the continuously decreasing level of volcanic activity and following the drop in Volcanic Alert Level to 1 a week ago on Tuesday 16 June 2020, the Aviation Colour Code is now changed to Green. The Volcanic Alert Level for Whakaari/White Island remains at Level 1.
Whakaari/White Island: Volcanic Alert Level lowered to Level 1, minor volcanic unrest continues.
Based on the slowly decreasing level of volcanic activity and confirmation that the recently observed gas pulse was short-lived, the Volcanic Alert Level for Whakaari/White Island is now lowered to Level 1. The Aviation Colour Code remains at Yellow.
Whakaari/White Island: New activity update, elevated unrest continues
Last week scientists recorded a short-lived gas pulse that passed through the volcano from depth. This gas pulse was accompanied by minor ground uplift in the vent area and is likely linked to a fresh batch of magma at shallow depth below the volcano. The Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 2 and the Aviation Colour Code at Yellow.
Whakaari/White Island: Monitoring and activity update
Whakaari/White Island remains in an elevated state of volcanic unrest. Gas flux has varied above background levels, and was elevated in our latest observation flight. Other monitoring parameters mostly remain within the range observed over the last 2 months. The Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 2; Aviation Colour Code remains at Yellow.
Mt Ruapehu: Activity and Crater Lake temperature update
After a recent heating cycle, we anticipated that Crater Lake (Te Wai ā-moe) would begin cooling to lower temperatures seen earlier this year. The lake reached a peak temperature of 42°C in early April and cooled to around 35°C shortly after. Recent monitoring indicates continuous gas flux which has kept the temperature around 35°C through May.
Mt Ruapehu: Crater Lake is now cooling again
An expected cooling trend for Crater Lake (Te Wai ā-moe) is now confirmed. The lake reached a peak temperature of 42°C in early April, and is currently at 35°C.
Whakaari/White Island: Elevated volcanic unrest continues
Whakaari/White Island remains in an elevated state of unrest. No significant changes in the amount of volcanic gas emitted or seismic activity were recorded in March-April. The Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 2; Aviation Colour Code remains at Yellow.
Mt Ruapehu: Crater Lake heated to 40°C
Crater Lake (Te Wai ā-moe) has been heating in response to an input of hot gases and hydrothermal fluids following volcanic earthquakes beneath Mt Ruapehu in February. The lake temperature is now 40°C. GNS Science volcanologists have collected further data to understand current activity.
Whakaari/White Island: Recent observations confirm continued elevated volcanic unrest
• Whakaari/White Island remains in an elevated state of unrest • Amount of volcanic gas has increased slightly compared to recent measurements but remains overall on the decline • Aerial observations confirm presence of high temperature fumaroles • The Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 2; Aviation Colour Code remains at Yellow
Mt Ruapehu: Science update from seismic activity last week
Crater Lake (Te Wai ā-moe) has responded to volcanic earthquakes beneath Mt Ruapehu. GNS Science volcanologists have collected data this week to further understand current activity.