June 27 Lava Flow Update – 3/9/15

Almost as quickly as it began, the south margin breakout of the June 27 lava flow has stalled. Hawai’i County Civil Defense reported Monday morning that the breakout has shown no signs of advancement since Sunday morning.

First observed as moving on Saturday, the breakout advanced 200 yards between Saturday and Sunday mornings. Since then, officials say the flow is sluggish and widening but not moving.

Currently, the breakout is 0.8 miles from Highway 130.

Additional breakouts that have been continuously reported over the past couple weeks continue to span the area of the flow pad and along each of the margins. These breakouts begin just upslope from the stalled areas and continue to the summit area.

Although the activity continues to provide evidence of an active flow and lava being supplied to the tube system, Civil Defense says none of the activity is posing a current threat to communities in the area.

Civil Defense, along with Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, will continue to monitor that flow and keep the public informed of any changes.

Light smoke conditions were reported Monday morning as a light northwest wind was blowing smoke in a southeast direction. As usual, these conditions have the possibility of changing and those who are sensitive should take precautions and prepare.

Hawai’i County Civil Defense lava flow map, as of March 9 at 7 a.m. Civil Defense image.

Hawai’i County Civil Defense lava flow map, as of March 9 at 7 a.m. Civil Defense image.

This photo, taken March 9, shows a view from the south flow margin, looking down slope towards Apaa Street. Hawai’i County Civil Defense photo.

This photo, taken March 9, shows upslope surface activity. Hawai’i County Civil Defense photo.