Halemaʻumaʻu Eruption Update – Episode 10 Summary
Episode 10 of the Halemaʻumaʻu eruption ended at 9:18 a.m. HST on February 20 after nearly 13 hours of lava fountaining. The north vent gradually declined before stopping, covering 75% of Halemaʻumaʻu’s floor within Kaluapele (Kīlauea caldera).
During this episode, summit deflation reached about 6.5 microradians before a rapid shift to inflation and a decrease in seismic tremor. Since December 23, 2024, eruption episodes have ranged from 13 hours to 8 days, with pauses lasting less than 24 hours to 12 days.
Current Status:
- Alert Level/Aviation Code: WATCH/ORANGE
- Location: All activity remains within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
- Monitoring: No changes detected in the East Rift or Southwest Rift Zones; HVO continues close monitoring
Hazards:
- Volcanic Gas (SO₂, CO₂, H₂O): Can create vog (volcanic smog) affecting downwind areas.
- Pele’s Hair & Volcanic Fragments: Fine glass strands from lava fountains may be carried by the wind, causing skin and eye irritation.
- Rockfalls & Ground Instability: Halemaʻumaʻu’s unstable walls pose ongoing risks, with restricted access since 2007.
For updates, view the eruption timeline and Kīlauea livestream.