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This story was originally published on RNZ.co.nz and republished with permission.
The high level of volcanic alert on Mount Ruapehu has been described as a “kick in the guts” for a tourist company.
On Monday, GeoNet raised the volcano alert to level two, indicating moderate volcanic unrest.
A 2 km exclusion zone has been established around the peak of the mountain, which means that the crater lake, Te Wai ā-moe, is no longer accessible for guided hikes.
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Stewart Barclay, director of Adrift Tongariro Guided Adventures, took a group to the crater lake just two days ago.
Joseph Pearson / Things
The volcanic alert bulletin for Ruapehu was issued shortly after noon on Monday,
“The lake looked pretty gray when we were there,” he said. “I remember that [volcanologist] Dr. Harry Keys, who I talk to quite a bit, said, when it’s gray, it means the vents are opening a little bit.
“I got up again the previous Wednesday, and then it was quite gray. Overall, it’s a lovely milky blue.”
I had noticed some other activity a little earlier in the season.
“Not many weeks ago there was a nice puff of steam that we videotaped as it came out of the lake and then headed west.
“We thought it was definitely a minor spike in activity. So we made sure to turn around and get out of there quickly.”
The volcanic warning bulletin for Ruapehu was issued shortly after noon on Monday, when the temperature of Te Wai ā-moe reached 43 degrees Celsius.
Such heights are not uncommon, but GeoNet said that what caused the alert level to escalate was the accompanying volcanic earthquake bursts and the marked increase in the amount of gas passing through the lake.
Adrift Tongariro was called Monday morning and was given the news. Barclay said it was difficult to accept, after a year that has hit tour operators especially hard.
“So our summer is down to about 10 percent of what it was, and this is just another little kick to the stomach.
“We have taken the attitude that for the next 12 months we will just ride whatever is thrown at us, and this is just another little stone being thrown at us.”
The High Noon Express chairlift, part of the Turoa de Ruapehu Alpine Lifts ski field, is within the 2 km no-go zone.
Chief Operating Officer Travis Donoghue said the particular lift was not open during the summer months, so its normal service continued.
“The Sky Waka gondola for us, and subsequent tourism, at this stage is not affected.
“However, what we do, of course, is continue to respond to the recommendations and protocols of any agency regarding any activity on Mount Ruapehu.
“If there was a further escalation of alert levels, that could have a potential impact on operations.
“But again, we work with the relevant agencies to advise on any changes and timely communications on those means that everything was accomplished in a timely manner.”
The last time the Mount Ruapehu alert was raised to level 2 was four years ago and it remained there for four months.
When Whakaari / White Island erupted last year, it was also at level 2.
Ruapehu District Council Mayor Don Cameron said everyone was aware of what might happen.
“I wouldn’t say it’s a level of concern just yet, but we’re at a higher level to make sure everyone is aware that there might be a further increase in unrest, and that people need to be aware of it, so, if, for example, there are people on the mountain, they can lower and remove them very quickly and safely. “
Meanwhile, the Department of Conservation will conduct an aerial sweep over the maunga on Tuesday morning.
This story was originally published on RNZ.co.nz and republished with permission.
