June 27 Lava Flow Update – 3/15/15
Hawai’i County Civil Defense reported Sunday morning following its overflight assessment that the downslope areas of the June 27 lava flow are showing very little signs of activity.
About 8 miles upslope near the summit area, Civil Defense reported that small breakouts continue.
Hawaiian Volcano Observatory also noted Sunday morning that lava is feeding three breakouts in that upslope area, near Puʻu ʻŌʻō to the northeast.
The breakout that began on Feb. 21 and the breakout from March 19 near the forested cone of Kahauale’a are receiving the bulk of the erupting lava, according to HVO. The third breakout, located about 3 miles further than Puʻu ʻŌʻō, was observed by HVO as being small.
Very light smoke conditions were reported Sunday morning as a moderate north wind was blowing smoke in a south direction. Burning was minimal and limited to trees and vegetation smoldering within the flow pad. Smoke conditions, as usual, have the possibility of changing and individuals who are sensitive should take necessary precautions.
Civil Defense, along with HVO, will continue to monitor flow conditions and inform the public of any changes.