June 27 Lava Flow Update – 2/12/15

Hawai’i County Civil Defense reported Thursday morning that downslope areas of the June 27 lava flow continue to show no advancement.

Following its overflight assessment, Civil Defense said that multiple breakouts, including those along the north and south margins of the flow continue, providing indication that lava continues to make its way downslope.

According to Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, a thermal satellite image viewed Wednesday showed activity continuing at the breakout located about 2 miles northeast of Puʻu ʻŌʻō. This active breakout has shown signs of advancement over the past week. An overnight web camera continues to show activity at the breakout near Puʻu ʻŌʻō.

HVO officials told reporters during a media briefing Wednesday that an advancement of just under 100 yards a day was seen by the Puʻu ʻŌʻō area flow between Feb. 5 and Feb. 10.

Activity also continues to remain active at a breakout west of Kaohe Homesteads.

Light to moderate smoke conditions were observed Thursday morning by Civil Defense as a light northwest wind was blowing smoke in a southeast direction.

HVO said Thursday that tiltmeters at the summit of Kilauea recorded inflationary tilt over the past 24 hours and that the lava lake level on the summit showed a slight increase. Officials have also reported that there has been a slight increase in small earthquakes near the south portion of Kilauea Caldren, which could possibly be attributed to the related summit inflation.

None of the current lava activity is posing a threat to communities in the area. Civil Defense, along with HVO, will continue to monitor conditions and keep the public informed of any changes.

Hawai’i County Civil Defense lava flow map, as of Feb. 12 at 7 a.m. Civil Defense image.

Hawai’i County Civil Defense lava flow map, as of Feb. 12 at 7 a.m. Civil Defense image.

Image taken Feb. 12 during Hawai’i County Civil Defense’s morning overflight. The photo is looking upslope from Pahoa Marketplace. Civil Defense photo.

Image taken Feb. 12 during Hawai’i County Civil Defense’s morning overflight. This photo shows activity upslope near the vent. Civil Defense photo.