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.
White Island (Whakaari): Rising Crater Lake may cause hydrothermal surface activity
The Crater Lake at White Island continues to grow, which may cause hydrothermal surface activity. The Volcanic Alert Level remains at 1.
A new heating cycle begins at Mt Ruapehu
Te Wai ā-moe (Crater Lake) temperature at Mt Ruapehu is rising along with an increase in volcanic tremor. This is consistent with minor volcanic unrest behaviour. The Volcanic Alert Level remains at 1.
White Island (Whakaari): Lake level rises
Observations during visits to White Island and from the web cameras confirm that the crater lake is starting to reform and volcanic activity remains at low levels.
Minor seismic sequence over at Mt Ruapehu
The episode of volcanic earthquakes beneath Mt Ruapehu has ended, and observations and models indicate the heating phase of the Crater Lake (Te Wai ā-moe) has likewise ended.
Slight increase in seismic activity at Mt Ruapehu
An episode of volcanic earthquakes is occurring beneath Mt Ruapehu since 15 March. This is a common observation during a heating phase of the crater lake (Te Wai ā-moe).
Gas emission at Mt Ruapehu returns to normal
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) gas emission rates at Mt Ruapehu have returned to a more normal level. The period of slightly higher volcanic unrest appears to have ended. The Volcanic Alert Level remains at 1.
Slight changes in water and gas composition of the Crater Lake (Te Wai Ā-Moe) at Mt Ruapehu
Measured changes in Crater Lake water and gas composition confirm the slightly elevated level of activity at Mt Ruapehu. The lake temperature (37ºC) and the level of seismic tremor remain unchanged. The Volcanic Alert Level remains at 1.
High volcanic gas emission and Crater Lake (Te Wai Ā-Moe) temperature at Mt Ruapehu
An increase in volcanic gas emissions and sustained high lake temperature suggest a slightly higher level of activity at Mt Ruapehu. The Volcanic Alert Level remains at 1.
White Island (Whakaari): Volcano remains quiet, moderate gas emissions
Observations during visits to White Island over the last 3-4 months confirm that activity remains at low levels. Activity is confined to the gas rich vents on the western side of the active crater. Hot, clear gas continues to be emitted. Some water has ponded on the floor of the active crater but no permanent lake has reformed. The seismic and acoustic activity generally remain low, and the SO2 gas flux is slowly declining.
Mt Ruapehu: Seismic activity increases after lake temperature peaks.
Since early September, Mt Ruapehu’s Crater Lake had been heating at a rate of around 1°C per day, reaching a maximum of 40ºC on October 4. The lake temperature has cooled slightly since then and is now hovering around 37°C. After October 18, the level of volcanic tremor under Mt Ruapehu increased in strength. Volcanic tremor is always present at Mt Ruapehu, however the level can vary.