June 27 Lava Flow Update – 12/9/14

Tuesday’s Hawai’i County Civil Defense June 27 lava flow assessment shows that the flow remains active and continues to advance.

Advancing 225 yards in the past 24 hours, the flow front is currently 2.2 miles upslope from the Highway 130 and Pahoa Village Road intersection near the Pahoa Market Place.

Officials say that the flow is not currently a threat to the area community, Civil Defense, along with Hawaiian Volcano Observatory personnel, will continue to monitor the activity.

HVO reported that a narrow lobe of lava west of the current flow field, and below the crack system, is also closely being monitored as it remains active. The lobe, however, has shown minimal advancement.

Currently, the flow is approaching an area where several lines of steepest descent nearly converge due to flat topography. According to HVO, it is difficult to know what path the flow will take until it passes this particular area.

Residents of the area will continue to be kept informed of any changes in activity, advancement, or status.

Civil Defense reported light to moderate smoke conditions following its Tuesday morning overflight as a light south wind blows the smoke in a north northeast direction.

Smoke conditions, as usual, have the possibility of increasing and officials advise individuals who have a history of respiratory issues to take necessary precautions and remain indoors.

Weak inflation at Puʻu ʻŌʻō was reported by HVO during the morning hours Tuesday. Officials noted that the occurrence happened following a prolonged phase of deflation and that no significant changes were indicated through any other monitoring data.

HVO will be out conducting field work and additional observations of the flow throughout the day Tuesday.

Pahoa Village Road continues to remain open to all traffic, however, motorists are asked to use caution. Protection material remains in place for some utility poles in the area.

Officials also want to remind the public to respect the privacy of residents in the area who were affected by lava. Trespassing onto private property is not permitted.