Kīlauea Episode 44 lava fountaining marked by 800 foot lava fountains, tephra fallout

Update:

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 were reached around 1 p.m. HST; fountain heights are presently about 700 feet. 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 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 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 reported falling in these areas, according to the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. 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.

Previous post:

Episode 44 of the ongoing Kīlauea eruption at Halemaʻumaʻu began at 11:10 a.m. today, April 9, with lava fountaining at the summit caldera.

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports that fountaining episodes typically last less than 12 hours but ash can remain in the air longer depending on wind and weather conditions.

Varying levels of ash, Pele’s hair, and other lightweight tephra may fall downwind of the eruption. In the current weather pattern, “downwind” is to the north and northeast of the summit, including the communities of Volcano and Mountain View. Smaller particles can travel farther from the eruption site and may affect communities at greater distances.

The HVO advises: “If you live downwind of the Kilauea summit, or plan to visit the summit area, stay informed about current volcanic activity and weather conditions. Winds from the south mean that tephra could fall in areas of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, on Highway 11 nearby, and in communities near the Kīlauea summit region.”

Impacted residents are advised to consider covering and temporarily disconnecting water
catchment systems. The HVO urges the public to be prepared with eye and respiratory protection and be ready to shelter in place if necessarily.

The public should follow all guidance from the National Park Service and the County of Hawaiʻi. Be aware that road or park closures may occur.

Areas farther downwind to the north and northeast of the Kilauea summit, including Puna, and North and South Hilo, and Hamakua Districts, may experience ash and Pele’s hair.