DoC still advises Ruapehu caution

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 13, Issue 631, 9 April 1996, Page 3

DoC still advises Ruapehu caution

Visitors to Mt Ru apehu could resume climbing to the Dome Peak to view the active crater after last W ednesday , but the Department of Conservation was sti 11 advi sing people not to go further than Dome Shelter or any closer to the crater. Late in March scientists first saw a small island near the western shore of the new Crater Lake. This island is

the tdp of a dome of solidified lava pushed up from beneath the lake. Volcanologists from the Geological and Nuclear Sciences Taupo Volcano Observatory suspect the dome has been growing for some weeks. They conclude that its contact with the lake water has been passive without causing significant explosions although seismic activity continues at levels higher than those before the

September-October eruptions last year. Ruapehu remains in a very active state and explosive eruptions are still possible at any time, without warning. People visiting Dome Peak do so at their own risk. "We recommend that members of the public do not pass the Shelter down closer to the crater," said Dr Harry Keys, advisory scientist for the Tongariro

Taupo Conservancy of DoC. "Firstly, the terrain there is getting more difficult with the onset of colder temperatures. Two weeks ago a tramper slipped and suffered head and other injuries while trying to go down to the crater, and had to be flown off the mountain. Secondly , going beyond the Shelter means going closer to the sources of any explosions and increasing risks

of exposure to toxic volcanic gases. The island is usually obscured by steam and gas and seldom visible anyway." Intending visitors should

phone or visit DoC offices around the mountain for up-to-date information about volcanic activity, weather and other conditions on the . mountain. Those going up

to the crater should be adequately clothed and prepared for weather changes. People unsure of the route or conditions should go with a guided party.