NEWS BRIEFS

• There continues to be no advancement of any of the down slope flow areas. Civil Defense says multiple surface breakouts and breakouts along both margins were observed upslope of the flow front, providing “indication that the tube system continues to be supplied and lava from the source is making its way to the down slope areas.” All current activity does not pose an immediate threat to area communities, officials say.
• Smoke conditions were light to moderate with a light northwest wind blowing the smoke in a southeast direction.
• Lava is NOT entering an old tube beneath highway 130 and affecting downslope subdivisions, chief Darryl Oliveira assured during a media conference. Oliveira said civil defense has gotten phone calls recently concerning this unfounded rumor.

LATEST MAP

Civil Defense Overview Lava Flow Map – Updated Thursday, 2/12/15 at 7:00 am

PRIMARY SOURCES

This morning’s assessment continues to show no advancement of any of the down slope flow areas. Multiple surface breakouts and breakouts along both margins upslope of the flow front continue and provide indication that the tube system continues to be supplied and lava from the source is making its way to the down slope areas. All current activity does not pose an immediate threat to area communities. The Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency and Hawaiian Volcano Observatory are maintaining close observations of the flow. Residents and businesses down slope will be informed of any changes in flow activity and advancement.

Smoke conditions were light to moderate with a light northwest wind blowing the smoke in a southeast direction. Smoke conditions may increase in some areas and individuals who may be sensitive or have respiratory problems are advised to take necessary precautions and to remain indoors.

The Pahoa Community Informational meetings planned for Thursday evenings will be suspended until further notice. The suspension of these meetings is due to the decrease in advancement and limited change in flow activity as well as to allow for community members and our partner agencies to return to normal life and business activities. The eruption and flow will be monitored closely and daily assessments and updates will continue. The community will be kept informed of any changes in the eruption and flow. Anyone seeking information on the status of the flow can visit the Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency and Hawaiian Volcano Observatory websites or contact the Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency at 935-0031.

On behalf of the Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency and our partners we would like to thank everyone for your assistance and cooperation. Hawaii County Civil Defense on Feb. 12 at 7:45 a.m. HST

Kīlauea Volcano continues to erupt at its summit and from its East Rift Zone. The inactive distal tip of the June 27th lava flow remains roughly 500 m (~550 yd) from Highway 130 in the area west of the Pāhoa Fire and Police Stations. The flow has not advanced downslope in about 2 weeks, but many breakouts remain active upslope. Tiltmeters located at the summit recorded inflationary tilt in the past 24 hours, and the summit lava lake level rose slightly. There has been a minor increase in small earthquakes near the south portion of Kīlauea Caldera.

June 27th Lava Flow Observations: Observers on a Civil Defense overflight this morning reported that the inactive flow tip remains stalled with scattered breakouts active upslope of the tip. A thermal satellite image from yesterday showed continued activity at the breakout 3 km (2 miles) northeast of Puʻu ʻŌʻō, at the forest boundary, as well as continued activity at the breakout west of Kaohe Homesteads. Webcam views overnight showed continued activity at the breakout near Puʻu ʻŌʻō.

Puʻu ʻŌʻō Observations: The tiltmeter on the north flank of Puʻu ʻŌʻō has been affected by rainfall over the past few days but appears to show subtle inflationary tilt. Webcams show a few spots of fluctuating glow emanating from small pits within the crater. Seismic tremor has remained low. The rate of sulfur dioxide emission from all East Rift Zone vents was about 200 tonnes per day, measured on January 7 (unfavorable wind conditions have prevented more recent measurements).

Summit Observations: Tiltmeters operating around the summit recorded inflationary tilt during the past 24 hours. The level of lava within the summit eruptive vent rose slightly over the past day and was measured at 42 m (140 ft) below the rim of the Overlook crater yesterday afternoon. Emission rates of sulfur dioxide were measured at 3,700 tonnes/day on February 9. There has been a minor increase in small earthquakes near the south portion of Kīlauea Caldera, possibly related to summit inflation. Seismic tremor at the summit remained low.USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory on Feb. 12 at 9:12 a.m. HST