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According to GeoNet, the volcanic alert level for Ruapehu has been raised to Level 2.

The volcano continues heating, and its current temperature is now 43°C.

Recently there have been bursts of volcanic tremor and a marked increase in the amount of gas that has been passing through the crater lake.

Volcanic tremor produces short-lived pulses which connect with increased gases in the crater lake of the volcano. 

Last week, the lake was observed to be a Grey colour, now it has been raised to Yellow.

The alert level reflects the amount of volcanic activity at Mt Ruapehu.

The volcanic alert level for Ruapehu has been raised to Level 2. Crater Lake (Te Wai ā-moe) continues heating and is now 43°C, with bursts of volcanic tremor and a marked increase in the amount of gas passing through the crater lake. Read more here:https://t.co/NZDwxIYtd7

— GeoNet (@geonet) December 20, 2020

Mt Ruapehu is an active volcano, and it has the potential to erupt at any time with little to no warning when volcanic unrest occurs.

While the Level 2 alert is not an exact forecast of what will happen; steam discharge, volcanic gas, earthquakes, landslides, and hydrothermal activity is being closely monitored.

Image/Video: CC/ Sam Hudson

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