11 PM: Slow Down at Fissure 8

This news story will be updated throughout the day as new information becomes available and new articles will be added to the website’s “News” section. Previous information about ongoing events can be found in Big Island Now’s “Volcano Blog” section.

KĪLAUEA SUMMIT LIVESTREAM LINK from the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory tower viewed toward the east-southeast.

KĪLAUEA SUMMIT LIVESTREAM LINK from the Northeast Caldera Rim viewed toward the south.

CLICK HERE FOR INTERACTIVE LAVA MAP FOR AUG. 4, 2018

Saturday, Aug. 4 , 2018, 11 p.m.: Slow Down at Fissure 8

Timelapse video provided by Harry Durgin’s Lavacam:

Field observations and UAS overflight images indicate reduced output of lava from Fissure 8 today. The significance of this change is not yet clear and hazardous conditions remain in the area.

An HVO and UAS crew will be in the area overnight to monitor and track additional changes. An overflight of the area will occur early tomorrow, weather permitting.

It is common for eruptions to wax and wane or pause completely. A return to high levels of lava discharge or new outbreaks in the area of active fissures are possible at any time. Despite the apparent slow-down at Fissure 8, lava remains active in the main channel, minor overflows are reported, and the ocean entry is active at this time.

Residents should remain informed and heed Hawai‘i County Civil Defense messages and warnings.

6 p.m.: Pohoiki Boat Ramp is Intact

Fissure 8 continues to erupt lava into the channel leading northeastward from the vent. No overflows were reported this morning.

During HVO’s early morning overflight today, lava was moving sluggishly through the fissure 8 channel (from upper right to lower left in this view), well within the banks of the perched channel. The fissure 8 vent can be seen in the distance (area of blue-tinted volcanic gas emissions). Click to enlarge. PC: USGS

The lower lava channel adjacent to Kapoho cone shifted west about 0.25 km and is now feeding lava into the southwest sector of the lower flow field. Lava levels appear generally low in the channel which is incandescent at its surface to approximately 2.8 miles from the vent; however, lava is still flowing farther beneath the crust to the vicinity of Kapoho Crater where it is seeping out of both sides of the channel, sometimes into adjacent vegetation starting small fires.

At the ocean entry, observers note the possible the southwestward migration of ooze-outs from the southwest portion of lava front, the northeast half of the flow’s ocean-front is inactive with no evidence of effusion into the ocean.

Multiple streams of lava were oozing into the sea along the southern lobe of the active ocean entry near Isaac Hale Park this morning. Click to enlarge. PC: USGS

The Pohoiki boat ramp is intact this morning.

A slightly different view of the southernmost lobe of ocean entry lava streams. The roof of the house at Isaac Hale Beach Park can be seen through the laze plume. Click to enlarge. PC: USGS

The most recent collapse event occurred two day ago, at 11:55 a.m. Aug. 2, and was similar in character and magnitude to previous events.

Misty weather is coming and going this morning at the summit of Kīlauea. A break in the mist allowed this clear view of Halema‘uma‘u from the northeast rim of the caldera, from which talus (rock fragments) piled at the base of the steep crater walls can be seen. With each summit collapse. rocks in the crater walls are shaken loose, widening the crater. Since May 16, 2018, the crater depth has more than tripled and the diameter has more than doubled. Click to enlarge. PC: USGS

Seismicity at the summit has been elevated to 30 earthquakes per hour over the past day. Inward slumping of the rim and walls of Halemaʻumaʻu continues.

6 a.m.: No Significant Changes Overnight

An aerial view of Kīlauea Volcano’s summit taken on August 1. A section of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park’s Crater Rim Drive and the road leading to the Kīlauea Overlook parking area are visible at lower right. HVO, Jaggar Museum, and the museum parking area are visible at far middle right. A down-dropped section of the caldera floor can be seen to the left of Halema‘uma‘u, a crater that continues to grow. On the caldera rim (upper right) light-colored ash deposits from explosions in May are stirred up by brisk winds, creating a dust cloud that’s blown downwind. PC: USGS

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports that earthquakes continue at Kīlauea summit.

Fissure 8 continues to erupt lava into the perched channel, sending flows to the ocean at Ahalanui and creating a large laze plume.

The margin of the flow at the ocean entry has not advanced and remains approximately 500 feet from the Pohoiki boat ramp.

Motorists on Highway 11 between the 28 and 32 mile marker are advised to stay on the pavement, be alert for changing roadway conditions, and drive with caution. Motorcyclists and bicyclists should proceed with extreme caution.

The following guidelines remain in effect:

• Check all utility connections of water, gas, and electricity for potential damage from earthquake activity.
• Do not access the active flow field due to extreme hazard. Be aware that channel overflows and other breakouts are possible on the active flow field.
• The ocean entry continues to produce a laze plume. Take precautions and stay out of the plume to avoid exposure to hydrochloric acid and glass particles, which can irritate the skin, eyes, and lungs.