Warning level for Kilauea volcano raised to “WATCH”

(BIVN) – Kilauea is not erupting, but the volcano alert level has been changed following an increase in earthquake activity and ground deformation in the upper East Rift Zone this morning.

On Tuesday (July 23), the USGS raised the volcano warning level from “ADVISORY” to “WATCH” and the Aviation Color Code from YELLOW to ORANGE.

Scientists at the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory say the data indicate likely movement of magma underground.

“The earthquake center is near Pauahi Crater,” the USGS HVO wrote. “The situation is rapidly evolving and at this time it cannot be said with certainty whether this activity will result in an eruption; the activity may remain underground. An eruption in the upper East Rift Zone of Kīlauea in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is a possible outcome.”

“It is not possible to say where such an eruption might occur, but the area between Hiʻiaka Crater and Maunaulu in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park may be at risk for a new lava eruption based on past patterns of eruptive activity in this area,” the scientists wrote. “Previous eruptions in this region of Kīlauea’s upper East Rift Zone, between Hiʻiaka Crater and Maunaulu, occurred over periods of hours to about a month. The location of a future eruption will determine which areas may be in the path of new lava flows.”

USGS: “This reference map shows the features of the upper eastern rift zone of Kīlauea. The Chain of Craters Road in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park follows the trend of the upper eastern rift zone. Pit craters, thermal areas, and lava flows attest to a long history of magma movement along this rift zone trend. Eruptions of the upper eastern rift zone typically occurred near the southeastern rim of Kaluapele or where the upper eastern rift zone meets the middle eastern rift zone near Pauahi crater.”

Due to increased activity, the following temporary closures have been imposed in Hawaiʻi Volcano National Park:

• Chain of Craters Road from the junction at the Devastation car park to the coast.
• Kulanaokuaiki Campground is closed.
• The Crater Rim Trail south of the Nāhuku lava tube is closed.
• Coastal remote areas and nāpau sites are closed. All new remote area permits for these areas will be cancelled.
• The escape road from Nāhuku to Maunaulu is closed.

The USGS HVO says it will continue to monitor Kīlauea closely. “If there is a significant change in volcanic activity, a new Volcanic Activity Warning will be issued,” scientists said.