Kilauea lava fountains hit 650 feet as plume rises 18,000 feet
The latest eruptive episode at the summit crater began Thursday afternoon, with officials tracking rapid growth in fountain height and wind direction.
By Austin Reed ·
Residents and aviation operators in the Hawaii area faced a new surge in volcanic activity on Thursday as episode 56 of the Halemaʻumaʻu eruption commenced at 12:10 p.m. The event marks the latest phase of the ongoing eruption that has been active since December 2024.
Within two hours of the start time, lava fountains from the north vent climbed from an initial height of 100 feet to approximately 650 feet. Smaller fountains were also observed erupting from the southwest vent during this period.
Radar data from the National Weather Service placed the volcanic plume at 18,000 feet above sea level. Ground-level sensors indicated that winds were blowing from the northeast, directing the plume and tephra into the closed area of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
This current episode follows a period of continuous low-level fountaining that began around 2:30 p.m. on Monday. Overflows from the north vent started earlier that same day after 11 a.m.
Officials note that most fountaining episodes since the eruption began on December 23, 2024, have lasted for a day or less. Tephra fall is greatest within three miles of the vents, though lighter ash and Pele’s Hair can remain suspended in the air for larger distances.
