Lahars of Ruapehu Volcano, New Zealand: Risk mitigation

Abstract

A dam-break lahar resulting from the last eruption of Ruapehu is expected when Crater Lake reaches a critical high level, probably within the next 1-5 summers. A high level of public consultation, political decision-making and ongoing scientific input has occurred to address the risks. Decisions about managing lahar risk have taken into account the fact that lahars are common on the active Ruapehu Volcano (2797 m) and in valleys draining the mountain and that most lahars are generated by eruptions, about hall of which have no useful precursors. Lahars threaten New Zealand's largest ski area and nationally important infrastructure. Public safety has been the main consideration but the need for long-term risk mitigation and reducing impacts on Tongariro National Park World Heritage Area have also been important. Lahar mitigation on Ruapehu now includes six lahar warning systems, each with active response plans, and some infrastructure isolated from or hardened against lahars.