Several rockfalls occurred late yesterday afternoon, the largest at 17:11. These rock falls produced small ash clouds which drifted to the west of the volcano. A helicopter flight was in progress for one of the rock falls, which was seen to source from the northern flank of the October 1 dome. A later flight revealed that a small pyroclastic flow had been generated by the 16:10 rock fall which had reached below the break in slope at the eastern edge of Castle Peak. These rockfalls are amongst the largest yet seen from the new dome.
Two smaller rock falls generated signals overnight which were the only recorded seismic events, indicating that background seismicity remains at a very low level.
The volcano is only partly cloudy this morning so that some more views into the crater may be possible sometime during the day.
MVO scientists remind everyone that the volcano is still in a very dangerous state, despite the low level of activity. Further explosive activity is possible, and there may not be much warning before it starts. All residents should follow the recommendations in the alert procedures, and stay away from the Tar River and Long Ground areas in particular, where there is a high risk of death.