Mt Ruapehu volcanic alert level lowered to 1 11 Jan, 2021 02:00 AM 2 minutes to read GNS says that Mt Ruapehu's level of heightened volcanic unrest is now judged to have ended. Photo / File GNS says that Mt Ruapehu's level of heightened volcanic unrest is now judged to have ended. Photo / File Mount Ruapehu's volcanic alert level has been lowered to level one as volcanic gas emissions return to normal levels and volcanic tremor declines. The alert level was lowered from level 2 on Monday after GNS scientists followed a gradual reduction in the level of unrest over the last few days. The aviation colour code, which indicates the risk of potential ash in the atmosphere, has also been lowered from yellow to green.