HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY STATUS REPORT

From U.S. Geological Survey Saturday, June 9, 2018, 3:50 PM HST

KILAUEA VOLCANO (VNUM #332010)

19°25'16" N 155°17'13" W, Summit Elevation 4091 ft (1247 m)

Current Volcano Alert Level: WARNING

Current Aviation Color Code: RED

Kīlauea Volcano Lower East Rift Zone

Vigorous eruption of lava continues from the lower East Rift Zone (LERZ) fissure system in the area of Leilani Estates.

Lava fountaining from Fissure 8 reached about 200 feet in height. Today's morning and noon overflights reported no significant changes in the fountain nor in the channels carrying lava to the ocean. Mid-morning, lava started to slowly spill over the channel levees in the vicinity of Pohoiki road but most of the lava did not extend far enough to reach ground not already covered by lava. By early afternoon, lava was again confined to the flow channel.

Minor lava activity at Fissures 16/18 continued.

Pele's hair and other lightweight volcanic glass from high fountaining of Fissure 8 are falling downwind of the fissure and accumulating on the ground within Leilani Estates. High winds may waft lighter particles to greater distances. Residents are urged to minimize exposure to these volcanic particles, which can cause skin and eye irritation similar to volcanic ash.

The most recent map of lava flows can be found at https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/multimedia_maps.html

HVO field crews are on site tracking the fountains, lava flows, and spattering from Fissure 8 as conditions allow and are reporting information to Hawaii County Civil Defense. Observations are also collected on a daily basis from cracks in the area of Highway 130; no changes in temperature, crack width, or gas emissions have been noted.

Volcanic gas emissions remain very high from Fissure 8 eruptions. Trade wind conditions are expected to bring vog to the south and west sides of the Island of Hawaii.

The ocean entry is a hazardous area. Venturing too close to an ocean entry on land or the ocean exposes you to flying debris from sudden explosive interaction between lava and water. Also, the lava delta is unstable because it is built on unconsolidated lava fragments and sand. This loose material can easily be eroded away by surf, causing the new land to become unsupported and slide into the sea. Additionally, the interaction of lava with the ocean creates "laze", a corrosive seawater plume laden with hydrochloric acid and fine volcanic particles that can irritate the skin, eyes, and lungs.

Magma continues to be supplied to the lower East Rift Zone. Seismicity remains relatively low in the area with numerous small magnitude earthquakes and low amplitude background tremor. Higher amplitude tremor is occasionally being recorded on seismic stations close to the ocean entry.

Additional ground cracking and outbreaks of lava in the area of the active fissures are possible. Residents downslope of the region of fissures should heed all Hawaii County Civil Defense messages and warnings.

USGS/HVO continues to monitor the lower East Rift Zone activity 24/7 in coordination with Hawaii County Civil Defense.

Kīlauea Volcano Summit

Minor ash emissions continued at the summit. Seismicity remains low after the explosive eruption this morning and is expected to increase slowly over the next several hours. Inward slumping of the rim and walls of Halema`uma`u continues in response to ongoing subsidence at the summit.

Sulfur dioxide emissions from the volcano's summit have dropped to levels that are about half those measured prior to the onset of the current episode of eruptive activity. This gas and minor amounts of ash are being transported downwind, with small bursts of ash and gas accompanying intermittent explosive activity.

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East Rift Zone Eruption - Sat, 6/9/18, 6PM - Update 5

This is a Civil Defense Message for Saturday, June 9 at 6:00 in the evening. 

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports Fissure 8 continues to produce a large channelized flow to the ocean at Kapoho.  Sulfur Dioxide emissions remain high from fissure eruptions.  

Due to the current volcanic activity, the following is provided for your information:

• There is currently no immediate threat, but residents close to the active flow should stay alert to changes in the flow direction and be prepared to voluntarily evacuate with little notice. Heed warnings from Civil Defense officials.
• If you feel the effects of sulfur dioxide exposure shelter-in-place or leave the immediate area.
• You can monitor sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide on Hawaii Island by visiting the Civil Defense website.

The shelter at Pahoa Community Center is open and pet-friendly. The Keaau Armory shelter has reached capacity. 

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East Rift Zone Eruption - Sat, 6/9/18, 4PM - Update 4

This is a Civil Defense Message for Saturday, June 9 at 4:00 in the evening. 

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports Fissure 8 continues to produce a large channelized lava flow to the ocean. Officials say the small overflow outbreak, near the intersection of Highway 132 and Pohoiki, is now fully confined to the channel.

Due to the current volcanic activity, the following policies are in effect:

• There is currently no immediate threat, but residents close to the active flow should stay alert and heed warnings from Civil Defense officials and be prepared to voluntarily evacuate with little notice.
• Please stay out of the Lava Tree State Park.

Sulfur Dioxide emissions remain high from fissure eruptions.  Due to the elevated gas levels around the fissure system, the following is provided for your information:

• If you feel the effects of sulfur dioxide exposure shelter-in-place or leave the immediate area.
• You can monitor sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide on Hawaii Island by visiting the Civil Defense website.

The shelter at Pahoa Community Center is open and pet-friendly. The Keaau Armory shelter has reached capacity. 

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East Rift Zone Eruption - Sat, 6/9/18, 3PM - Update 3

This is a Civil Defense Message for Saturday, June 9 at 3:00 in the afternoon. 

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports Fissure 8 continues to produce a large channelized lava flow to the ocean. Officials are monitoring lava cresting the perched flow channel near the intersection of Highway 132 and Pohoiki.

Due to the current volcanic activity, the following policies are in effect:

• Residents near the intersection of Highway 132 and Pohoiki should be prepared to voluntarily evacuate with little notice.
• Residents in adjacent areas, close to the active flow should stay alert and heed warnings from Civil Defense officials.
• Please stay out of the Lava Tree State Park.

Sulfur Dioxide emissions remain high from fissure eruptions.  Due to the elevated gas levels around the fissure system, the following is provided for your information:

• If you feel the effects of sulfur dioxide exposure shelter-in-place or leave the immediate area.
• You can monitor sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide on Hawaii Island by visiting the Civil Defense website.

The shelter at Pahoa Community Center is open and pet-friendly. The Keaau Armory shelter has reached capacity. 

KITV: More residents of Lower Puna warned, be ready to evacuate