CRATER LAKE THEORY

Hokitika Guardian, 20 February 1925, Page 1

CRATER LAKE THEORY

WANGAEHU IX FLOOD. WAXGAXUf, Fell. 17. The Wangaehu River now flows on its way into the sea. turbid and . discoloured and smelling strongly of sulphur, with dead trout floating on the surface; all apparently as the result of the recent eruption of the crater lake on the summit.of Ruapehu. It is thought the lake must have erupted several times of late, as since attention has been drawn Lo the phenomenon settlers at Tangiwai have

called to mind two occasions recently at night when they heard the roar of flood waters in the upper reaches of the Wangaehu. A small bridge suspended twenty feet above the river was carried away, and at the time the settlers were completely mystified as there had been no rain.

The interesting theory is advanced to-day that ice had blocked the subterranean outlet of the crater lake, and that there was likelihood of periodic discharges when the hot water melted the ice. A similar happening was the cause of a record flood in the Wangaehu Valley many years ago, although at the time the connection between the summit lake and the source of the river was only surmised. Were it not for the periodic impregnations of the waters with minerals the Wangaehu would he one of the best trout streams in the island, ft is also suitable for the run of quinnat salmon and trout thrive in the tributaries and also in the river itsell while the waters are dear. Nearly twenty years ago Mr K. A. Ala reliant while engaged in a survey of the How of the river at the Lop end found that the block tin billies only lasted a few woks if regularly used to dip water from the river, while an iron rail driven in the riverbed near Tangiwai corroded within a couple of years.