June 27 Lava Flow Update – 12/5/14

Friday morning’s Hawai’i County Civil Defense assessment shows that the June 27 lava flow front continues to advance, however, the flow has begun to advance at a slower pace than earlier in the week.

Currently, the flow front is about 2.4 miles upslope of the Highway 130 and Pahoa Village Road intersection, near the Pahoa Marketplace area. The flow has advanced about 145 yards since Thursday.

Activity at this time does not pose an immediate threat to communities in the area, however, Civil Defense, along with Hawaiian Volcano Observatory personnel, are maintaining close observation of flow activity.

According to HVO, the flow has reached an area where several lines of steepest descent nearly come together due to a period of flat topography. Officials say it is difficult to know the future of the flow path until the flow passes this area.

Residents in the downslope areas will continue to be kept informed of any changes in activity.

Moderate smoke conditions were reported in the immediate area Friday morning as a light north wind was blowing smoke in a south southeast direction.

As usual, smoke conditions have the possibility of increasing or worsening and Civil Defense advises individuals who have a history of respiratory issues or sensitivity to take necessary precautions and remain indoors.

HVO said in a Friday morning report that inflation changed to deflation at about midnight on Dec. 5. The inflationary tilt dominated on Dec. 4, accumulating around 2 microradians over approximately 26 hours.

Additionally, HVO officials say that deflation in the summit over the past several hours has been accompanied by increased rates of long period earthquakes in the summit.

The event rates of long period earthquakes were especially high between 6 a.m. and 6:50 a.m. Friday morning, according to the report.

Pahoa Village Road remains open, and motorists are advised to continue to use caution as some of the utility pole protective material remains in place. Additionally, it is advised that the public refrains from disturbing residents who were affected by the lava flow.  Civil Defense asks the public not to trespass on private property.