White Island: Alert level remains at 3

VOLCANIC ALERT BULLETIN: WI – 2016/10

White Island Volcano

Volcanic Alert Level 3 (no change)

Aviation Colour Code: Orange (no change)

11:15 Wednesday 14 September 2016

Minor Eruptive Activity at White Island (Whakaari): Update

Monitoring data available from the island confirms there has been no escalation in the level of activity and the emission of ash is currently very minor.

The level of volcanic activity seen yesterday and overnight is very minor, with small amounts of volcanic ash being passively emitted from vent(s) within the active crater. We have reviewed all available data sets; seismic activity remains low, the gas flux remains low and there are no measureable acoustic signals. Some of our cameras are still affected by ash and steam, hence limiting our observations.

The poor light conditions and local high cloud make it difficult to assess the amount of ash present. It does appear the bulk of the emission was yesterday and only minor amounts are now present. Should ash emission increase today there is a low possibility of traces of ash reaching the East Cape area (based on weather and ashfall models).

The current activity is minor. We will review the situation if changes occur. Implications for visitor safety remain unclear. The Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 3.

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