A lava breakout along the north margin of the June 27 appears to be inactive, Hawaii County Civil Defense reported Friday.
The breakout, located about 1 mile upslope of Highway 130 in Pahoa, also showed no sign of advancing Friday, Defense officials said following a morning helicopter overflight of the flow. The breakout last advanced about 20 yards toward the northeast between Saturday and Sunday.
Meanwhile, the June 27 lava flow’s leading edge remains stalled about 0.36 miles upslope of Highway 130 in Pahoa. Though the front is no longer advancing, U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists said active breakouts persist several hundred yards upslope of the stalled front.
Activity appears to be waning closer to Kilauea Volcano’s Puu Oo vent where a new breakout was observed pulling away from the upper June 27 lava tube on the vent’s north flank.
A breakout about 2 miles northeast of the vent near the forest boundary remains active. Scattered activity also continues west of Kaohe Homesteads, the scientists said.
“The numerous 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. None of the lava activity currently poses an immediate threat to area communities, however.
Smoke conditions were reported as light with a light southwest wind blowing the smoke toward the northeast. 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.