Eruption at Napau Crater dwindles
Kilauea’s eruption at the remote Napau Crater seemed to be petering out Wednesday afternoon.
According to a Hawaiian Volcano Observatory update at 4:17 p.m. Wednesday, webcam and satellite thermal imagery seemed to indicate the eruptive activity on the crater floor had “likely ceased,” while vents on the western edge of the crater had reopened around 3:15 p.m.
The crater floor vents had opened Tuesday morning and by Wednesday had covered about 30% of the floor. By Wednesday afternoon, lava was still cascading into the crater from the vents on the crater’s edge.
Sulfur dioxide emission rates were recorded at about 12,000 metric tons per day Tuesday morning, but dropped to about 3,700 metric tons Wednesday afternoon. HVO hypothesized that the drop could reflect a decrease in overall effusion, or just indicate that the easternmost fissures of the eruption have become less active over time.
The eruption’s progress seems to follow an HVO report from Wednesday morning, which hypothesized that, based on the reduced emissions and vent activity, as well as historical eruptions in the crater, this current eruption might already be waning.
The fissure system in Napau was about 0.3 miles long, and cuts a line from west to east across the crater.
HVO reported that patterns of deflation at Kilauea summit indicate that only the deeper portions of the volcano’s magma system are now supplying magma to the middle East Rift Zone, where Napau Crater is located.
All volcanic activity is still currently confined to the middle East Rift Zone, with no indications of changes further east.
HVO is continuing to monitor the situation, and its alert level for Kilauea remains at “Watch,” while its aviation color code also is still set to “Orange.”
Meanwhile, Chain of Craters Road in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park was reopened Wednesday.
Hilina Pali Road and Kulanaokuaiki Campground also were open to traffic.
However, Maunaulu Trail and parking area, Napau Trail and Naulu Trail remain closed to all use due to continued eruption hazards including gas emissions and for potential wildland fire.
“Escape Road” was open from Highway 11 to the Mauna Ulu Parking lot access road closure.
The DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife announced Wednesday it is closing the Kahauale’a Natural Area Reserve in Puna for 90 days due to the eruptive activity at Kilauea. The closure, effective immediately, may be extended if hazardous conditions continue.
The Kahauale’a Trail, commonly known as the Captain’s Trail, also is closed. The current lava flow at the middle of the eastern rift zone could create hazards for visitors such as cracks and toxic fumes.
In the past, the Hawaii Fire Department has performed rescues in this area, and individuals could be severely injured.
In a press release, the DLNR asked community members to heed this warning and stay out of the reserve. DOCARE officers will be patrolling the area regularly.
