June 27 Lava Flow Update – 11/7/14

The leading edge of the June 27 lava flow has not advanced in a week and activity at the flow front is near a standstill.

However, scientists with Hawaiian Volcano Observatory noted multiple breakouts that continue upslope of the flow tip during a Friday afternoon overflight.

One of the breakouts, the one nearest the flow front, was active just below the Pahoa cemetery and about 490 yards above Pahoa Village Road.

According to HVO, there are several other breakouts that are active about 1.5 miles upslope from Apa’a Street, one of which has combined with the lobe that is now inactive but was once advancing towards the transfer station.

In addition to the breakouts that are above the Apa’a Street area, a series of breakouts were active at the top of the narrow gully that channeled lava towards Pahoa two weeks ago.

A large lobe that is extending north from Kaohe Homesteads also continues to be active.

The breakouts of lava are mostly confined within the existing flow field, according to an HVO evening update, but in some areas, the margins are being extended.

There are various other small breakouts occurring farther upslope, one of which is halfway between the distal end of the flow and Puʻu ʻŌʻō, near where lava first entered the crack system and another on the north flow of Puʻu ʻŌʻō itself.

The flow closest to Puʻu ʻŌʻō damaged equipment that HVO scientists has installed to observe the lava tube through a skylight.

Hawai’i County Civil Defense announced Friday morning that residents in the area continue to be on an evacuation advisory. Along with the advisory, residents are being kept informed of the flow status and advancement

Additionally, Civil Defense reminded the public that Pahoa Village Road will remained closed between Apa’a Street and the Post Office Road.