June 27 Lava Flow Update – 3/20/15

Friday morning’s overflight assessment of the June 27 lava flow continued to show minimal activity in its downslope region, according to Hawai’i County Civil Defense. The lack of activity in the areas of the flow nearest the Pahoa area have remained minimal for the past week.

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory noted Friday morning that the three breakouts all within 6 miles of Puʻu ʻŌʻō were active. Located in the upslope portion of the flow field, the three breakouts northeast of Puʻu ʻŌʻō consist of the Feb. 21 breakout along the northern flank of Puʻu ʻŌʻō, the breakout near Pu’u Kahauale’a, and a breakout about 3-4 miles northeast of Puʻu ʻŌʻō.

Small scale tree burning was occurring in the northeast breakout during the morning hours, according to HVO webcam observation.

At the current time, none of the lava activity is posing an immediate threat to communities in the area. Civil Defense, along with HVO, will continue to maintain observation and keep the public informed of any changes.

No major changes were observed in the Puʻu ʻŌʻō crater.

Light smoke and vog conditions were reported Friday morning as a light Northwest wind was blowing smoke and vog in a Southeast direction. As usual, these conditions have the possibility of increasing. Officials advise that sensitive individuals take precautions and remain indoors if necessary.

Photo credit: Extreme Exposure Media/Paradise Helicopters.

Photo credit: Extreme Exposure Media/Paradise Helicopters.

This photo, taken March 19, shows a lone ohia surrounded by a flow. The intense heat will eventually char through its trunk. Photo credit: Extreme Exposure Media/Paradise Helicopters.

Photo credit: Extreme Exposure Media/Paradise Helicopters.

In this photo, taken March 19, a lobe of pahoehoe flows through a field of ‘a‘a approximately 4 miles downslope of Pu‘u ‘O‘o. Photo credit: Extreme Exposure Media/Paradise Helicopters.

This photo, taken March 19, shows lava encroaching upon an area of trees along the northern boundary of the flow field. Photo credit: Extreme Exposure Media/Paradise Helicopters.

This photo was taken March 19, A couple of skylights in the solidified surface of a lava pond within Pu‘u ‘O‘o crater. Photo credit: Extreme Exposure Media/Paradise Helicopters.

Photo credit: Extreme Exposure Media/Paradise Helicopters.

Photo credit: Extreme Exposure Media/Paradise Helicopters.

Hawai’i County Civil Defense lava flow map, as of March 20 at 7 a.m. Civil Defense image.

Hawai’i County Civil Defense lava flow map, as of March 20 at 7 a.m. Civil Defense image.

Hawai’i County Civil Defense lava flow map, as of March 20 at 7 a.m. Civil Defense image.