NEWS BRIEFS

• Once again, no advancement of any of the down slope flow areas. Activity continues upslope, however, including the breakout about 3 km 2 miles northeast of Puʻu ʻŌʻō that has reached the forest boundary, and continued activity at the breakout west of Kaohe Homesteads.
• Smoke and vog conditions were moderate with a light southwest wind blowing the smoke and vog in a northeast direction.
• Malama Market will re-open on March 18th, returning services for the community and 70 former employees back to work. The company hopes to re-open the Malama Gas N Go on the same day.

LATEST MAPS

Civil Defense Lava Flow Map with Imagery – Updated Friday, 2/13/15 at 7:00 am

PRIMARY SOURCES

This morning’s assessment continues to show no advancement of any of the down slope flow areas. Multiple surface breakouts and breakouts along both margins upslope of the flow front continue and provide indication that the tube system continues to be supplied and lava from the source is making its way to the down slope areas. All current activity does not pose an immediate threat to area communities. The Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency and Hawaiian Volcano Observatory are maintaining close observations of the flow. Residents and businesses down slope will be informed of any changes in flow activity and advancement.

Smoke and vog conditions were moderate with a light southwest wind blowing the smoke and vog in a northeast direction. Smoke and vog conditions may increase in some areas and individuals who may be sensitive or have respiratory problems are advised to take necessary precautions and to remain indoors. All burning activity was limited to vegetation burning along the edges of the breakouts and fire conditions will be monitored closely.

The Pahoa Community Informational meetings planned for Thursday evenings will be suspended until further notice. The suspension of these meetings is due to the decrease in advancement and limited change in flow activity as well as to allow for community members and our partner agencies to return to normal life and business activities. The eruption and flow will be monitored closely and daily assessments and updates will continue. The community will be kept informed of any changes in the eruption and flow. Anyone seeking information on the status of the flow can visit the Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency and Hawaiian Volcano Observatory websites or contact the Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency at 935-0031.

On behalf of the Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency and our partners we would like to thank everyone for your assistance and cooperation.Hawaii County Civil Defense on Feb. 13 at 7:45 a.m. HST

Activity Summary: Kīlauea Volcano continues to erupt at its summit and from its East Rift Zone. The inactive distal tip of the June 27th lava flow remains roughly 500 m (~550 yd) from Highway 130 in the area west of the Pāhoa Fire and Police Stations. The flow has not advanced downslope for the past several weeks, but many breakouts remain active upslope. Tiltmeters located at the summit recorded inflationary tilt in the past 24 hours, and the summit lava lake level rose slightly. There has been a minor increase in small earthquakes near the south portion of Kīlauea Caldera.

June 27th Lava Flow Observations: Observers on a Civil Defense overflight this morning reported that the inactive flow tip remains stalled with scattered breakouts active upslope of the tip. Webcam views over the past day showed continued activity at the breakout about 3 km (2 miles) northeast of Puʻu ʻŌʻō, at the forest boundary, and continued activity at the breakout west of Kaohe Homesteads.

Puʻu ʻŌʻō Observations: The tiltmeter on the north flank of Puʻu ʻŌʻō showed no significant change over the past day. Webcams show a few spots of fluctuating glow emanating from small pits within the crater. Seismic tremor has remained low. The rate of sulfur dioxide emission from all East Rift Zone vents was about 200 tonnes per day, measured on January 7 (unfavorable wind conditions have prevented more recent measurements).

Summit Observations: Tiltmeters operating around the summit recorded continued inflationary tilt during the past 24 hours. The level of lava within the summit eruptive vent rose slightly over the past day and was measured at 38 m (125 ft) below the rim of the Overlook crater yesterday afternoon. Emission rates of sulfur dioxide were measured at 3,700 tonnes/day on February 9. There has been a minor increase in small earthquakes near the south portion of Kīlauea Caldera, possibly related to summit inflation. Seismic tremor at the summit remained low.USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory on Feb. 13 at 8:43 a.m. HST