CRATER LAKE ON RUAPEHU LARGER: CHANGED FEATURES

Wanganui Chronicle, 4 March 1948, Page 4

CRATER LAKE ON RUAPEHU LARGER: CHANGED FEATURES

(0.C.) Raetihi, March 3 The fascination of high levels was I again evidenced on Saturday when a party of 29 from the Tongarlro Tramping Club made an ascent to the I Crater Lake, Mount Ruapehu. | Tiie route taken was via Whakapapa and, with good overhead conditions, plus a favourable climbing surface on th e glacier, the summit was comfortably, reached before midday. a high column of steam rose continuously from the lake, but although the water boilea fiercely in places the temperature was much lower in patches—so much so that six of the more daring lads indulged in a swim. The lake has increased in size in recent months and it now covers approximately one-third of the crater floor. With the water confined to the southern portion of the crater, the 'perpendicular wall on the northern side has changed to an easy slope, and it was down this face that safe access was gained right to the crater bottom. The consolidated, non-thaw-ing condition of this northern side has haa a pronounced effect on the snowfield aoove, and there is no sign of the large crevasse which opens up each summer from Paretetaitonga peak, and runs across towards the head of the Wangaehu glacier. This crevasse usually extended for a distance of some eight chains, with a width of 15 feet and a depth of something like 40. These changed features were remarkably interesting to tramping club members who have been close observers of the mountain over the years. With the summer thaw the top has gone from the large snowfield extending to Te Heu Heu peak and this area is now a mass of black mud up to eighteen inches deep. Should heavy rain come before another snowfall it is certain that many tons of this ejected matter must line! its way into the mountain streams —the Wangaehu in particular Heavy mist swept across the mountain at intervals during the day, but there were also bright patches of sunshine and a pleasant outing was recorded by all. After upwards of two hours spent on the roof a leisurely I descent was made and the road end was reached by 3.30 p.m-