Seismic activity at the volcano has been low during the past 24 hours. Only rockfalls and a few small hybrid earthquakes have been recorded. Visual observations have been possible from the east at times, and the October 1 dome is still growing at a fast rate.
A total of 21 rockfall events were recorded by the seismic network. Some of these were associated with rockfalls seen from the east. The only other notable seismic event was a regional earthquake about 80 km to the north of Montserrat.
Visibility was again quite poor for most of the day, but some views were obtained from the east. The October 1 dome continues to grow. It now has a more rubbly appearance, in contrast to being quite smooth when it first appeared. The dome is still roughly flat topped, and the eastern face has become steeper. Some material has fallen from this face towards the Tar River valley. The new is now over half the height of Castle Peak rock, and growing quite fast. Vigorous steaming was observed from the north of the new dome. Only a few rockfalls were observed today, coming mostly from the new dome and sometimes from the back of the explosion scar.
EDM measurements were attempted today but could not be completed due to low cloud cover over the volcano. No GPS measurements were made today. The next GPS survey will be carried out in a few days time.
The continued rapid growth of the October 1 dome means that rockfalls and possibly pyroclastic flows will occur during the next few days. These will result in ash clouds which may affect areas to the west of the volcano. There is still a lot of ash around, and dust masks should be worn if necessary. Individuals put themselves in extreme danger if they venture beyond the Long Ground area into the Tar River valley. Further pyroclastic flow activity could start at any time, and could kill anyone in the Tar River valley. Everyone who passes through the checkpoints are reminded that they are entering areas which may become unsafe very quickly, and that they should be on maximum alert at all times while in the danger zone.