Lava fountaining returns to Kilauea’s Halemaumau crater

Key Points:

• Lava fountaining resumed at Kilauea volcano’s Halemaumau crater for the 53rd time since the eruption began on Dec. 23, 2024, with the latest episode starting at 3:45 p.m. and reaching about 500 feet in height.
• All lava activity remains confined to the summit crater within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, with volcanic gas emissions dispersing southwest due to northeast winds.
• The volcanic gas plume rose approximately 18,000 feet, and tephra, ash, pumice, and Pele’s hair are most concentrated within 3 miles of the vents, posing respiratory risks downwind.
• The National Weather Service warns that fountaining episodes usually last less than 12 hours, but ash can linger, advising residents and visitors downwind to monitor conditions and take precautions to avoid ash exposure.
• The volcano alert level is currently "watch" and the aviation color code is orange, indicating ongoing volcanic activity with potential hazards.