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: 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.
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.