Sunday observation of the June 27 lava flow front revealed burning along the edges and some widening, but very little forward advancement.
An 8 a.m. overflight by Hawaii County Civil Defense found the front to remain approximately 2.4 miles upslope of the Highway 130 and Pahoa Village Road intersection.
“Current activity does not pose an immediate threat to area communities and Civil Defense and Hawaiian Volcano Observatory personnel are maintaining close observations of flow activity,” reads an update. “Residents downslope will be kept informed of any changes in flow activity, advancement, and status.”
HVO scientists are watching the flow carefully, waiting so see which direction it may take as it continues down the flank of the mountain.
“The front of the flow is in area where several lines of steepest descent nearly converge due to flat topography and is probably the main factor in the decline of the advance rate,” reads an update by the U.S. Geological Survey. “Until the flow passes this area of flat topography, the future flow path is uncertain.”
Smoke conditions were moderate Sunday in the area surrounding the flow front, with a light north wind blowing the smoke in a south-southeast direction.
“Smoke conditions may increase in some areas and residents that may be sensitive or have respiratory problems are advised to take precautions and to remain indoors,” reads the Civil Defense message.
Email Colin M. Stewart at cstewart@hawaiitribune-herald.com.