NEWS BRIEFS

• There has been no advancement downslope, but civil defense reports continual activity along both margins extending the length of the flow.
• A small breakout along the south margin 800 yards to the west or upslope of the stalled front was showing some signs of advancement and will be monitored closely.
• Breakout activity was significantly reduced farther upslope in the area west of Kaohe Homesteads, the area north of Puʻu Kahaualeʻa, and on the north flank of Puʻu ʻŌʻō, according to observations made during a USGS overflight on Friday. The reduction in upslope activity was possibly due to recent 5-day-long deflation of the summit, scientists say.
• Smoke conditions were light with a light northwest wind blowing the smoke in a southeast direction.

LATEST MAP

The USGS image above shows a close-up of the June 27th lava flow in the area of Kaohe Homesteads and Pāhoa. Although the leading tip of the flow has been stalled for weeks, active breakouts have persisted a short distance upslope of this stalled tip. These breakouts are largely flowing over existing portions of the June 27th flow and have not expanded the flow margins a significant amount.

PRIMARY SOURCES

Surface activity and activity along both margins extending from the west or just above the flow fronts to the summit area continues with numerous small breakouts. The surface breakouts along the length of the flow pad continues to provide an indication that the tube system is being supplied and lava from the source is making its way to the down slope areas. A small breakout along the south margin of the flow approximately 800 yards to the west or upslope of the stalled front was showing some signs of advancement and will be monitored closely. 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 light with a light northwest wind blowing the smoke in a southeast 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.

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 Mar. 7 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 continues but, has not moved closer to Hwy 130 in over a week. Breakouts continue behind the front and in the up slope areas mostly within the flow margins. The breakout along the north margin of the stalled flow tip is still active but sluggish. The leading edge of this flow is approximately 1.6 km (1 mile) up slope of Highway 130. Activity continues on the north flank of Puʻu ʻŌʻō.

June 27th Lava Flow Observations: In the down slope areas, to include the flow front, the lava flow continues with scattered surface breakouts, within the flow margins, and minor expansion of the flow field. Overall the flow has not moved closer to Hwy 130 in over a week. The breakout on the south side of the flow front lobe, about 870 m (0.5 mi) from Malama Market, is no longer advancing toward the Market, but also continues to widen.

Upslope of the flow front, west of Kaohe, there are scattered breakouts that continue in the same general areas that have been active for about the last month.

In the Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō region — The breakout about 3 km (2 miles) northeast of Puʻu ʻŌʻō at the forest boundary remains active. The new breakout on the north flank of Puʻu ʻŌʻō remains active.

Puʻu ʻŌʻō Observations: The tiltmeter on the north flank of Puʻu ʻŌʻō shows very slight deflationary tilt trend. The rate of sulfur dioxide emission from all East Rift Zone vents was about 250 tonnes per day for the week ending on February 25.

Summit Observations: Tiltmeters operating around the summit show inflationary tilt which started late in the day on Thursday, March 5. Emission rates of sulfur dioxide were an average of 2400-3600 tonnes/day for the week ending March 3.USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory on Mar. 7 at 9:03 a.m. HST

The leading tip of the June 27th flow remains stalled, but breakouts persist upslope of the stalled tip.

FOR MORE INFO

THE LATEST: June 27 lava flow archive