Volcano eruption information

Activity Summary: 

• Episode 44 of the ongoing Halemaʻumaʻu eruption began at 11:10 a.m. HST on April 9 and continues at this time. Peak north vent lava fountain heights of approximately 800 feet (240 meters) were reached around 1:00 p.m. HST; fountain heights are presently about 700 feet (215 meters). The south vent has not been active so far during episode 44, though it produced significant precursory overflows that began on Friday, April 3.
• As of 2:00 p.m. HST, the north vent lava fountain is still reaching about 700 feet in height and it is feeding a plume of ash and gas above. The plume is hitting strong southerly winds about 3,000 feet (1,000 meters) above ground level, and these winds are transporting a narrow band of gas and tephra to the north-northeast of Halemaʻumaʻu. Tephra fallout is strongest in the direction of Kīlauea Military Camp and the Volcano Golf Course subdivision, with pieces of lightweight reticulite up to 12 inches (30 centimeters) reported falling in these areas. Tephra fall has also been reported near Volcano House within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
• The volcanic plume is moving northward and widening over a large section of east Hawaiʻi. These areas may expect fine ashfall consisting of Peleʻs hair and small glassy particles.
• The National Weather Service has issued an ashfall warning for much of east Hawaiʻi. The Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Agency has closed Highway 11 through Volcano and the National Park Service has closed Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park due to falling tephra and sulfur dioxide (SO₂) gas. Both agencies have encouraged residents to remain inside with windows closed and to disconnect water catchment tanks if possible.