June 27 Lava Flow Update – 12/11/14

Hawai’i County Civil Defense’s Thursday morning assessment shows that the flow front of the June 27 lava flow remains active and is burning along the edges as it advances in a north-northeast direction.

During the course of the past 24 hours, the flow front has advanced 340 yards.

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said that the flow is currently following a steepest-descent path that will take it towards the intersection of Highway 130 and Pahoa Village Road near the Pahoa Market Place.

Currently, the flow remains about 1.9 miles upslope from the area.

The flow at this time is not posing an immediate threat to area communities. Civil Defense, along with HVO personnel, will continue to maintain close observation of activity and keep residents in the downslope areas of the flow informed.

An additional lobe that is being watched closely is a breakout from the lava tube on Dec. 5. This lobe located about 1.6 miles from Puʻu ʻŌʻō is about .06 miles long and has continued to widen. Currently, the flow field in this area is about 220 yards wide.

Civil Defense reported moderate smoke conditions Thursday morning in the immediate area as a light north wind is blowing the smoke in a south southeast direction.

Smoke conditions, as usual, have the possibility of increasing in some area. Officials advise that individuals who have a history of respiratory problems take precautions and remain indoors.

A deflationary tilt at Puʻu ʻŌʻō occurred throughout the early morning Thursday, but has since leveled off. According to HVO, all other monitoring data indicate no significant changes at Puʻu ʻŌʻō.

Pahoa Village Road remains open, however, motorists are advised to use caution in the area as some of the protection materials remain in place on utility poles.

Additionally, officials ask the public to respect the privacy of the residents in the area who were affected by the lava flow, and remind individuals that trespassing onto private property is not permitted.