Alert level raised for Kilauea volcano

UPDATED 10:06 a.m.

Early this morning, HVO raised the alert level for Kilauea volcano from “advisory” to “watch,” but has subsequently lowered the volcanic alert level back to “advisory.”

UPDATED 9:51 a.m.

Although Kilauea is not erupting, increased geologic activity early this morning has prompted the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory to raise the volcano alert level and aviation color code.

The HVO reported increased earthquake activity and ground deformation at Kilauea’s upper East Rift Zone at about 3:30 a.m., indicating likely movement of magma underground.

The agency subsequently raised the volcano alert level for ground-based hazards from advisory to watch and the aviation color code from yellow to orange. Today’s earthquake activity is centered near Pauahi Crater.

A volcano alert level of “watch” and an orange aviation color code in this case mean a volcano is exhibiting heightened or escalating unrest with increased potential of eruption, with the timeframe uncertain, according to the USGS.

“The situation is rapidly evolving, and, at this time, it is not possible to say with certainty if this activity will lead to an eruption,” HVO officials said in a bulletin this morning. “The activity may remain below ground.”

One possible outcome is an eruption in Kilauea’s upper East Rift Zone within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, according to the HVO.

However, agency officials said it is not possible to say where such an eruption may occur, but the area between Hiʻiaka crater and Maunaulu in HVNP “is potentially at risk for a new lava outbreak based on past patterns of eruptive activity in this area.”

Past eruptions in the area of Kilauea’s upper East Rift Zone, between Hiʻiaka crater and Maunaulu, occurred over a time range of hours to about a month.

As for current hazards on Kilauea, the HVO cautioned that shallow magma movement and eruptions can produce minor to severe ground fractures and subsidence features, which can affect the landscape, human activity, and infrastructure. “These ground cracks can continue to widen and offset as magma migration continues, may have unstable overhanging edges, and should be avoided.”

HVO officials say they will continue to closely monitor Kilauea and issue a new volcanic activity notice if the volcanic activity changes significantly.

PREVIOUSLY ON MONDAY

Chain of Craters Road and other parts of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park have been closed in response to an increase in seismic activity beneath Kilauea volcano.

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported that at about 11 a.m. Monday, a spate of earthquakes began around Kilauea’s upper East Rift Zone. About 40 earthquakes were detected, with the largest recorded at magnitude 3.1.

While HVO reported there are no signs of an imminent eruption — Kilauea’s volcano alert level remains at “Advisory” — HVNP announced shortly thereafter that it would close several parts of the park to the public in case of further volcanic activity.

The closed areas include Chain of Craters Road from the Devastation Trail parking lot all the way to the coast, the Kulanaokuaiki Campground, Crater Rim Trail south of the Nahuku (Thurston) Lava Tube, and Escape Road between Nahuku and Maunaulu.

All coastal backcountry areas and Napau sites are also closed, and all backcountry permits for those areas have been cancelled.

“It is never an easy decision to close areas, but it is the right thing to do. Safety is always our top priority,” said Park Superintendent Rhonda Loh in a statement. “We remain in constant communication with scientists at (HVO) and will continue to notify the public of any changes.”

Previous eruptions in the area have typically happened between Hi‘iaka Crater and Maunaulu within the park, according to an HVO report.

HVO continues to closely monitor the situation.