The Rincón de la Vieja Volcano gave us yet another eruption yesterday afternoon, sending a column of steam approximately 1,000 meters, or 3,280 feet, above its crater. The eruption occurred at 4:37 p.m. and according to Costa Rica’s Volcanological and Seismological Observatory the plume later moved west.
Volcanic material also traveled down the volcano through the Pénjamo River channel after the eruption. OVSICORI cameras and people in the area observed the flow, but thankfully, no injuries, evacuations or reported ashfall were mentioned in the initial reports. The volcano has produced more frequent eruptions since July and OVSICORI continues to keep Rincón de la Vieja at Activity Level 3, which calls for caution.
Rincón de la Vieja has recorded a series of small steam-driven eruptions in recent weeks. These occur when underground water is heated rapidly by the volcano, creating enough pressure to release steam, gas and sometimes volcanic material through the crater.
Last week, for example, OVSICORI recorded 14 eruptions at the volcano. Four produced relatively strong acoustic signals and an August 24 eruption produced some volcanic mudflow, while another eruption the following day produced the strongest acoustic signal recorded at Rincón de la Vieja so far this year.
Scientists also reported that the level of the crater lake has fallen because recent eruptions have forced water from it. Keep in mind, the volcano’s activity does not automatically mean that the entire national park is closed. However, access to the active crater remains off-limits and conditions inside Rincón de la Vieja National Park can change when volcanic activity, heavy rain or mudflows create a safety risk.
If you are planning on going, you should check the latest park information before traveling and follow instructions from park officials. People living near rivers that begin on the volcano should also remain alert because eruptions and heavy rain can send hot mud, rocks and debris down the channels with little warning.
