Alert level raised at Kīlauea as eruptive episode is imminent, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory has raised the alert level for Kīlauea from Advisory to Watch as Episode 47 of lava fountaining is forecasted to begin today or Thursday, May 14.

The aviation color code has also been upgraded from Yellow to Orange.

The forecast of the eruption is based on geophysical data. Additionally, webcam observations of small spatter bursts indicate that lava is close to the surface in the eruptive vents, according to a report from the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory this morning.

Low-level precursory activity may occur before the onset of lava fountaining episode 47, in the form of lava overflows and more vigorous spattering. Another Volcano Activity Notice will be published when lava fountaining begins.

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

Alert level and aviation color code definitions can be found here: https://www.usgs.gov/programs/VHP/alert-level-system.

The last eruptive episode occurred on May 5, where fountaining lasted just over nine hours.

Most lava fountaining episodes since Dec. 23, 2024, have continued for a day or less and have been contained within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.