The volcano has been relatively quiet during the last 24 hours, with rockfalls and small pyroclastic flows dominating activity. Long-period earthquakes continue to be recorded at above-background levels. Low cloud has restricted views of the top of the dome.
The broadband seismic network recorded a total of 52 rockfall signals during the past 24 hours, a slight decrease since yesterday The rockfalls have been occurring on the southwestern flank of the dome, shedding material into the upper part of the White River. There were 19 long-period earthquakes, of which 8 triggered rockfalls. The level of long-period seismicity has been above background since the middle of March. One small volcano-tectonic earthquake was recorded today, but no hybrid events.
Visibility was poor today, and no views of the dome were possible. Small ash clouds have been generated from the rockfalls, but ash fall has been very light.
The GPS programme to measure the fixed points closest to the dome continued today, with the receiver at the crater wall above Farrell's retrieved late this morning and re-deployed late this afternoon at Hermitage Estate. Processing of the measurements continues and some results will be known tomorrow. Swirling ash has prevented any EDM measurements today, but some will again be attempted tomorrow.
The volcano remains dangerous, and only essential visits should be made to the evacuated zone. People should wear masks when in the ashy areas. The Tar River and White River valleys are extremely dangerous, and should not be entered under any circumstances.