Lava fountaining remains likely as precursory activity for latest eruptive episode at Kīlauea continues

Low-level degassing and seismic tremor at Halema‘uma‘u have been ongoing since early Monday morning, suggesting precursory activity for episode 30 of the Kīlauea eruption, with lava fountaining likely.

A strong glow and rare spattering were visible in the north vent overnight, but there have been no additional vent overflows, according to a daily update from the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.

Low-level seismic tremor and degassing at the summit continue.

Fountaining episodes have occurred about once per week at the crater within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park since the start of the current eruption on Dec. 23, 2024. The last eruptive episode took place on July 20 and lasted 13 hours.

Tilt at the summit has been more variable than usual over the past several days and has recorded slow inflation over the past 24 hours. Models suggest that sustained lava fountaining may occur between now and Thursday if inflation continues, according to the update.

If inflation rates change significantly, the modeled window will change to reflect the new conditions.

No significant activity has been noted along Kīlauea’s East Rift Zone or Southwest Rift Zone.

Current hazards include volcanic gas emissions, along with windblown volcanic glass (Pele’s hair) and tephra deposited during earlier eruptive episodes.