Kilauea erupting again

[terracore]

Alert Level: WARNING, Color Code: RED2023-01-06 02:35:52 UTC
[b]HVO/USGS Volcanic Activity Notice[/b]

Volcano: [b]Kilauea[/b] (VNUM #332010)

Current Volcano Alert Level: WARNING
Previous Volcano Alert Level: WATCH

Current Aviation Color Code: RED
Previous Aviation Color Code: ORANGE


[b]Issued:[/b] Thursday, January 5, 2023, 4:35 PM HST
[b]Source:[/b] Hawaiian Volcano Observatory
[b]Notice Number:[/b] 2023/H15
[b]Location:[/b] N 19 deg 25 min W 155 deg 17 min
[b]Elevation:[/b] 4091 ft (1247 m)
[b]Area:[/b] Hawaii

[b]Volcanic Activity Summary:[/b]
Kīlauea volcano is erupting. At approximately 4:34 p.m. HST on January 5, 2023, the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory detected glow in Kīlauea summit webcam images indicating that the eruption has resumed within Halemaʻumaʻu crater in Kīlauea’s summit caldera, within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.

The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory is elevating Kīlauea’s volcano alert level from WATCH to WARNING and its aviation color code from ORANGE to RED as this eruption and associated hazards are evaluated.  
The opening phases of eruptions are dynamic. Webcam imagery shows fissures at the base of Halemaʻumaʻu crater generating lava flows on the surface of the crater floor. The activity is confined to Halemaʻumaʻu and the hazards will be reassessed as the eruption progresses.
HVO will continue to monitor this activity closely and report any significant changes in future notices.

HVO is in constant communication with Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park as this situation evolves. The activity is confined entirely within the park.

[dobanion]

Nice show so far. Looks like quite a bit of output, initially.

It’s much closer to Volcano House, so you should be able to see the display without the long hike now.

[My 2 cents]

Golly, does this mean Mauna Loa is going to start up again soon?

[Chas]

I just got back from the overlook right before the Jaggar parking lot. Got there about 7:30 or so. It was/is spectacular! Might go back up after midnight when the crowd thins out. Still wasn't too crowded though.

I'd advise going NOW if you're reading this on Thursday evening. Things change in a hurry and I'm sure tomorrow night will be a madhouse if the lava stays as spectacular as it is right now.

[Durian Fiend]

It's still fascinating but no longer spectacular. Park worker said the fountaining was 10 times as high during the first couple days of eruption.

[Chas]

Yep. See my reply in the "Free Day at Park" thread...

Thanks for the update. How was the crowd?

[Durian Fiend]

Yep. See my reply in the "Free Day at Park" thread...

Thanks for the update. How was the crowd?

Not bad, though I didn't go to the best location.  Did a loop hike earlier and came out at the viewing area near Volcano house. This one is only about a 15 minute walk in and does afford a decent view.  

Fantastic sunset.

[Chas]

Thanks. Yeah, you can't beat parking the car and walking 30 seconds to the Kilauea overlook. I was wondering how the other viewing areas were. I haven't been to the one at Devastation Trail, or the one where you walk in on Crater Rim Drive from the Chain of Craters Rd intersection... or is that the same one?

[kalianna]

I just came back. Kilauea lookout is IT. Drive right up, no wait to park and far more active than either the 21-22 flow or the lake before the 2018 eruption. Also way less crowded than the last incarnation and far more beautiful. Go figure. Volcano house is a nightmare and can't see much. Kilauea Iki is easy to get to, no crowds and a good way to start for a distant view. We didn't go to the devastation trail lookout because I didn't feel like walking a mile for another vantage point. I'd be curious to know if anyone did this.

[Chas]

USGS has a live stream on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/usgs/live