Episode 51 of ongoing Kīlauea episodic summit eruption ends

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports Episode 51 of the ongoing episodic eruption at the summit of Kīlauea volcano within Halemaʻumaʻu Crater ended abruptly at 4:46 p.m. July 15 after 8.1 hours of high lava fountaining.

However, tephra carried high into the air during fountaining could remain suspended for some time and continue to fall. Tephra fall from volcanic ash clouds is greatest within 3 miles of the eruptive vents, with lighter ash and Pele’s hair possibly staying suspended for large distances from the vents.

The eruptive plume was under 10,000 feet above sea level when fountaining ended.

All eruptive vents and lava flows are confined within Halemaʻumaʻu Crater in the volcano’s summit inside Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

Kīlauea’s volcano alert level was lowered from watch to advisory following the end of Episode 51.

Short updates shared during the episode can be found at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory website.

Additional details about Episode 51 will be provided in a forthcoming official report.