Kīlauea movement of magma in the subsurface

Current Aviation Color Code: ORANGE
Previous Aviation Color Code: YELLOW

Issued: Sunday, September 10, 2023, 2:52 PM HST
Source: Hawaiian Volcano Observatory
Notice Number: 2023/H271
Location: N 19 deg 25 min W 155 deg 17 min
Elevation: 4091 ft (1247 m)
Area: Hawaii

Volcanic Activity Summary:

Kīlauea volcano is not erupting. Increased earthquake activity and changes in the patterns of ground deformation at Kīlauea’s summit began occurring the afternoon of September 10, 2023, indicating movement of magma in the subsurface.

The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory is raising the volcano alert level/aviation color code for Kīlauea from ADVISORY/YELLOW to WATCH/ORANGE due to this activity.

At this time, it is not possible to say with certainty if this activity will lead to an eruption; the activity may remain below ground. However, an eruption in Kīlauea’s summit region, within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and away from infrastructure, is one potential outcome. Based on patterns of earthquake activity and ground deformation, it is likely that any new eruptive activity will occur in or near Halemaʻumaʻu crater, within the closed area of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

HVO will continue to monitor this activity closely and adjust the alert level accordingly.

HVO is in constant communication with Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park as this situation evolves. The activity is confined entirely within the park.