Activity at the Soufrière Hills Volcano is at a low level.

The seismic network recorded six rockfalls and six volcano-tectonic (VT) events this week.

The average sulphur dioxide measurement over seven days this week was 527 tons per day with a maximum of 1948 and a minimum of 216 tons per day. The lower value is an underestimate owing to only one operational spectrometer earlier in the week. It is of note that 1948 tons per day is the highest daily sulphur dioxide value since September 2009.

Partial clear views of the dome showed fresh rockfall deposits on the southwest side of the dome above Gingoes Ghaut and on the eastern side above the Tar River valley.

Measurements made at Trants on the northeastern side of the volcano this week show that the 11 February 2010 pyroclastic flow deposits are now at temperature of 125^oC at 3.2 m depth.

Despite the low level of activity, pyroclastic flows can still occur without any warning. Lahars (mudflows) also remain a hazard and caution should be exercised crossing the Belham valley during rainfall.

The Hazard Level is 2. There is daytime access (8:00 am to 4:00 pm) to Zone C. Maritime zone W remains daytime transit only (boats may sail through the zone but must not stop).

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