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.
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.
Mt Ruapehu: Minor seismic activity recorded
A short-lived episode of volcanic earthquakes occurred beneath Mt Ruapehu last Saturday 22 – Sunday 23 February. The earthquake episode has ended.
Whakaari/White Island: Elevated volcanic unrest continues
• Whakaari/White Island remains in an elevated state of unrest • Volcanic gas fluxes are declining slightly • Aerial observations confirm presence of high temperature fumaroles • The Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 2; Aviation Colour Code remains at Yellow
Whakaari/White Island: Elevated volcanic unrest continues in steady state
Whakaari/White Island remains in an elevated state of unrest. No further extrusion of lava has occurred. Our assessment is that further explosive eruptions remain very unlikely on any given day. The Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 2 and the Aviation Colour Code remains at Yellow.
Whakaari/White Island: Update #20
Whakaari/White Island remains in an elevated state of unrest. Lava is now visible in the vents created by the eruption. Further explosive eruptions are very unlikely on any given day in the next four weeks. The Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 2 and the Aviation Colour Code remains Yellow.
Whakaari/White Island: Update #19
Whakaari/White Island remains in an elevated state of unrest. Very hot gas and steam continues to discharge from vents created by the eruption on December 9th. Further large explosive eruptions are very unlikely on any given day* in the next four weeks. The Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 2 and the Aviation Colour Code remains Yellow.
Mt Ruapehu: Continued background activity, minor volcanic unrest
Over the last 5-6 months measurements of Mt Ruapehu’s Crater Lake (Te Wai ā-moe) temperature, earthquake activity and chemistry have remained consistent with minor volcanic unrest.
Whakaari/White Island eruption: Update #18
Whakaari/White Island remains in an elevated state of unrest. Very hot gas and steam continue to discharge from the December 9th vents. Further eruptions over 24 hours on any given day are very unlikely in the next four weeks. The Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 2. The Aviation Colour Code changes to Yellow as ash only rarely gets emitted at the vent.