June 27 Lava Flow Update – 12/6/14

Saturday morning’s Hawai’i County Civil Defense June 27 lava flow assessment shows continued advancement of the flow front, but the flow has begun to slow in movement.

Currently, the flow front is about 2.4 miles upslope of the Highway 130 and Pahoa Village Road intersection, near the Pahoa Marketplace.

None of the current activity poses an immediate threat to area communities, however, Civil Defense, along with Hawaiian Volcano Observatory personnel, will continue to closely watch the activity.

Residents downslope of the flow will continue to be kept informed of the flow activity changes.

According to HVO, the flow has reached an area where several lines of steepest descent almost come together due to flat topography, which could be a possible large reason as to why the flow has begun to slow down.

Officials say that it is difficult to predict the future of the path until the flow passes this area of flat topography.

Moderate smoke conditions were reported during the Civil Defense assessment as a light north wind is blowing the smoke in a south southeast direction.

Smoke conditions have the possibility of increasing and officials advise that individuals who have a history of respiratory issues to take necessary precautions and remain indoors.

Over the past 24 hours, deflation has dominated.

HVO reported Saturday morning that the summit lava lake showed the usual fluctuation associated with changes in splattering behavior, which are also manifested as variation in tremor amplitudes.

Pahoa Village Road remains open to traffic and motorists are reminded to use caution as some of the utility poles continue to have protection material in place. Authorities ask that the public respect residents of the area who were affected by the lava, reminding people that trespassing onto private property is not permitted.