The level of activity at the volcano has been low during the last 24 hours, with a decrease in the number of rockfalls and pyroclastic flows.
The seismic activity today was very low with only one volcano-tectonic and four hybrid earthquakes and no long period events. There were 21 rockfall signals, a slight decrease from yesterday.
Good views of the crater area were obtained today from the helicopter and from Whites. There was continuous small-scale rockfall activity from the eastern face which resulted in a light ash plume, but in general the dome was quiet with only a few small pyroclastic flows observed. The largest of these reached to just beyond the base of the scree slope in the upper part of the Tar River Valley. No changes were seen to the Galway's Wall.
A GPS survey at the site on the crater wall above Farrells was finished this morning. The results showed no detectable change in the length of the line between Farrells and Harris Lookout.
Rainwater and ash samples were collected from sites around Plymouth today. Also the tubes which monitor the level of sulphur dioxide were collected, and will be sent to the UK for analysis.
During the last few days the eastern slope of the dome has become more unstable. Given that the dome is now large and continuing to grow, a large collapse and pyroclastic flows could happen with little warning. It is dangerous to spend the night in evacuated areas, because the situation could worsen dramatically over a period of a few hours. People entering Zone C are reminded to remain alert at all times, and spend the minimum possible time in the evacuated zone. The Tar River Valley and the upper Galway's area are very dangerous and should not be entered at any time.