Activity noted upslope of stalled lava flow front

Activity continued Tuesday along the surface and margins of the June 27 lava flow, Hawaii County Civil Defense said. A helicopter overflight of the flow planned for Wednesday morning has been delayed because of inclement weather.

While the flow continued to widen Tuesday, no advancement has been observed in any of the downslope areas for more than a week, U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and Civil Defense officials said Tuesday.

The breakout along the north margin of the stalled flow tip remained active, but was sluggish. It has not advanced since Feb. 29 and remains about 1 mile above of Highway 130, the observatory said.

The lobe on the south side of the flow, located about 0.5 mile upslope of Malama Market, also remained at a standstill Tuesday, but continues to host a few active breakouts several hundred yards upslope of its stalled leading edge.

Upslope, activity persisted Tuesday morning on a breakout on the north flank of Kilauea Volcano’s Puu Oo vent, however, the level of activity there continues to diminish. A breakout about 2 miles northeast of the vent near the forest boundary remained active Tuesday morning. Scattered activity also continues west of Kaohe Homesteads, the scientists said.

“The surface breakouts along the length of the flow pad continues to provide an indication that the tube system is being supplied and lava from the source is making its way to the down slope areas,” Civil Defense officials said following their Tuesday morning helicopter overflight of the flow. “All current activity does not pose an immediate threat to area communities.”

Smoke conditions were reported as light with a light northeast wind blowing the smoke toward the southwest. 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.