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Hawaii Volcanoes Park Braces for Kilauea Lava Fountains
5 Apr
Summary
- Kilauea summit is inflating, forecasting lava fountains starting next week.
- Vog and tephra may blanket the summit, potentially causing closures.
- Park anticipates increased visitor traffic, including Merrie Monarch participants.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is preparing for an imminent lava fountaining event at Kilauea. Geologists from the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory predict this will begin between Monday and April 14, marking the 44th episode of the ongoing eruption. These fountaining events typically last less than 12 hours and are separated by pauses.
Park officials are also alerting visitors to a potential increase in vog and tephra due to southerly winds. Similar conditions on March 10 necessitated the closure of the summit area. Vog, a hazardous volcanic gas, can cause respiratory distress, while tephra poses an irritant and driving hazard.
The park expects a rise in visitors, including many hula dancers attending the Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo. Visitors are urged to monitor air quality, wear protective gear against tephra, and be aware that affected areas may temporarily close if hazardous conditions persist.
