This composite image of the Kalapana area combines a thermal image and a normal photograph. The areas of recent, but inactive, lava are shown by red and purple colors, while the yellow and white colors show areas of active breakouts. (Photo courtesy of Hawaiian Volcano Observatory)

HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY CURRENT STATUS REPORT
Monday, Aug. 9, 3:55 p.m.

Current Volcano Alert Level: WATCH
Current Aviation Color Code: ORANGE

Kalapana Update

Lava from the TEB vent is flowing through tubes that carry lava down-slope to feed active surface flows in two locations on the coastal plain:

The inflated flow near Kalapana Gardens is much the same as yesterday. The only significant change is that the eastern ocean entry (Iliili) is inactive. The western ocean entry (Puhi-o-Kalaikini) remains active, however, and the western lava delta, which is now more than 900 m (2,950 ft) wide, continues to grow.

Scattered outbreaks about 870 m (2,850 ft) west and upslope of the current County Viewing Area persist, but continue to make little forward progress.

HAZARD ALERT: The lava deltas and adjacent areas both inland and out to sea are some of the most hazardous areas on the flow field. Frequent delta/bench collapses give little warning, can produce hot rock falls inland and in the adjacent coastal waters, and can produce large local waves.

The steam plume produced by lava entering the ocean contains fine lava fragments and an assortment of acid droplets that can be harmful to your health. The rapidly changing conditions near the ocean entry have been responsible for many injuries and a few deaths.

Public Access Information: Kalapana Gardens is a private subdivision and access will only be granted to subdivision residents. Private property borders highway 130 through Kalapana and no one is allowed access off the highway easement. Police will be monitoring the area.

Maps, photos, Webcam views, and other information about Kilauea Volcano are available at http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo/activity/kilaueastatus.php

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park status can be found at www.nps.gov/havo/ or 985-6000. County Viewing Area status can be found at 961-8093.

Photographer Brian Lowry’s latest images of the eruption can be seen at www.lavapix.com