June 27 lava flow 0.6 miles upslope of Pahoa intersection

The leading edge of the June 27 lava flow advanced about 70 yards between Sunday and Monday, Hawaii County Civil Defense reports.

The flow, as of about 8 a.m., was about 0.6 miles upslope of the Pahoa Village Road-Highway 130 intersection.

The U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said the advancement occurred on the northern branch of the flow front. The leading edge had split into two branches, one following the steepest descent path and another following a “tributary” path to the north that intersects the main descent path a few hundred yards downslope, last week. The branch heading south along the steepest descent path has remained stalled since Friday morning, the observatory said.

The advancing northern branch is expected to return to the steepest descent path that will likely take the flow toward the Pahoa Marketplace, the observatory said.

Upslope of the leading edge, breakouts remain scattered along the edges and interior of the flow. The breakouts are located between 1.5 and 2.5 miles upslope of the flow front.

An evacuation advisory has not been issued, however, some merchants in the area have already closed or are preparing to close while others plan to remain open until the last minute, Hawaii County Civil Defense Administrator Darryl Oliveira said Friday. There is currently no immediate threat to the community.

Smoke conditions were reported as moderate to heavy Friday morning with a light wind blowing the smoke in a south-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.