UPDATE: Eruptive episode 51 at Kīlauea has begun
Lava fountains are currently erupting from the north vent and reaching heights of about 950 feet above ground level.
8 hours ago
Editor’s note: This story was updated at 11 a.m. on Wednesday.
Episode 51 of lava fountaining in Halemaʻumaʻu at the summit of Kīlauea began at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday.
Lava fountains are currently erupting from the north vent and reaching heights of about 950 feet, and effusion rates have reached a peak of about 400 cubic yards per second as of 10:30 a.m., according to the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. Peak fountaining typically occurs 1-2 hours after onset.
The National Weather Service reports that the plume from this eruption is reaching 18,000 feet above sea level.
North vent fountains are feeding large lava flows onto the floor of Halema’uma’u crater. No fountains or flows are erupting from the south vent at this time.
Initial precursory spattering and a small overflow from the south vent began on July 11, according to the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. After a four-day pause, activity resumed on Tuesday with precursory overflows from both vents.
Ground-level sensors near the eruptive vents indicate that light winds are blowing from the northeast direction, which suggests that volcanic gas emissions and volcanic material may be distributed to the southwest direction from Halemaʻumaʻu. At higher altitudes, the plume is rising vertically at this time over an area just southwest of the vents.
Most tephra fall currently remains within the closed area of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, according to the observatory. A light fall of Peleʻs hair was reported from the Kaʻū Desert trail head along Highway 11. No tephra is currently falling in the town of Pāhala or anywhere outside of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
Residents in the area are advised of potential impacts from wind-blown volcanic matter. The Hawai‘i County Civil Defense Agency advises residents to take precautions if needed, such as disconnecting water catchment systems. Those with respiratory sensitivity should shelter in place or leave the area to avoid elevated gas levels.
No significant activity has been noted along Kīlauea’s East Rift Zone or Southwest Rift Zone.
Episode 50 of the ongoing Halemaʻumaʻu eruption at the summit of Kīlauea ended abruptly at 5:10 p.m. on June 27 after 7 hours of continuous lava fountaining from the north vent.
These eruptive events have been occurring since Dec. 23, 2024.
