NEWS BRIEFS

• There has been no change with any of the down slope flow areas, civil defense says, however breakouts continue upslope.
• The breakout along the north margin has advanced 90 yards since yesterday. The leading edge of this breakout is approximately 1 mile to the west or mauka of Highway 130. Civil defense says all current activity does not pose an immediate threat to area communities.
• Smoke conditions were moderate with a light southwest wind blowing the smoke in a northeast direction.

LATEST MAPS

Civil Defense Lava Flow Map with Imagery – Updated Saturday, 2/21/15 at 7:00 am

PRIMARY SOURCES

This morning’s assessment continues to show no change with any of the down slope flow areas. 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. The breakout along the north margin remains active and has advanced approximately 90 yards since yesterday morning. The leading edge of this breakout is approximately 1 mile to the west or mauka of Highway 130. 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 and residents and businesses down slope will be informed of any changes in flow activity and advancement.

Smoke conditions were moderate with a light southwest wind blowing the smoke in a northeast direction. Smoke 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. There was a light rain occurring in the area this morning and there is no brush fire threat at this time.

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. 21 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. The breakout along the north margin of the stalled flow tip has advanced approximately 80 m (90 yards) since yesterday morning, and is approximately 1.6 km (1 mile) upslope of Highway 130. Tiltmeters located at the summit have recorded minor inflationary tilt over the past day.

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. The breakout along the north margin of the stalled flow tip has advanced approximately 80 m (90 yards) since yesterday morning, and is roughly 1.6 km (1 mile) upslope of Highway 130. 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 at the breakout west of Kaohe Homesteads.

Puʻu ʻŌʻō Observations: The tiltmeter on the north flank of Puʻu ʻŌʻō showed a small amount of inflationary tilt beginning yesterday afternoon, which may be associated with rain. Webcam views show incandescence in the normal locations 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 minor inflationary tilt over the past day. The level of lava within the summit eruptive vent has not changed significantly over the last day, and remains at 40-45 m (130-150 ft) below the rim of the Overlook crater. Emission rates of sulfur dioxide were measured at 3,300 tonnes/day on February 13. Seismic tremor at the summit remained low. Small earthquakes located near the south portion of Kīlauea Caldera continue at a reduced rate as compared to last week’s increased number. USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory on Feb. 21 at 9:08 a.m. HST