Nov 28, 2022, 8:36 am
Last edit by: FlyinHawaiian
Links to sites with information (feel free to add):
https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/mauna-loa/volcano-updates
https://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/maunaloaupdate.htm
https://www.staradvertiser.com/
https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/
https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/mauna-loa/volcano-updates
https://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/maunaloaupdate.htm
https://www.staradvertiser.com/
https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/
Mauna Loa Eruption - November/December 2022 [NOW ENDED]
Nov 30, 2022, 2:53 pm
#31
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https://www.usgs.gov/media/webcams/m...east-rift-zone
https://www.usgs.gov/media/webcams/m...prift-view-wsw
https://www.usgs.gov/media/webcams/m...zone-mauna-kea
video from this morning (11/30/22): Mauna Loa (Fissure 3) - November 30, 2022 | U.S. Geological Survey (usgs.gov)
Latest HVO Update:
Code:
HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY DAILY UPDATE U.S. Geological Survey Wednesday, November 30, 2022, 9:08 AM HST (Wednesday, November 30, 2022, 19:08 UTC) MAUNA LOA (VNUM #332020) 19°28'30" N 155°36'29" W, Summit Elevation 13681 ft (4170 m) Current Volcano Alert Level: WARNING Current Aviation Color Code: RED Activity Summary: The Northeast Rift Zone eruption of Mauna Loa continues, with two active fissures feeding lava flows downslope. The fissure 3 lava flows are travelling to the northeast, though the direction shifted slightly westward overnight, still moving toward Saddle Road. Fissure 3 is the dominant source of the largest lava flow, and the flow front is about 3.6 miles (5.8 km) from Saddle Road as of 7 a.m. HST this morning. The flows have been advancing at a rate of 0.08 miles per hour (130 meters per hour) over the last day, but they are approaching a relatively flat area and will begin to slow down, spread out, and inflate. Forecasts indicate it may take two days for lava flows to reach Saddle Road. Fissure 4 is still active with lava flows moving toward the northeast at 0.03 miles per hour (50 meters per hour). A small lobe is moving to the east from fissure 4 at a slower rate than the main lobe. Volcanic gas plumes are lofting high and vertically into the atmosphere. Pele's hair (strands of volcanic glass) is falling in the Saddle Road area. Our seismic monitoring detects tremor (high rates of earthquakes) in the location of the currently active fissures. This indicates that magma is still being supplied, and activity is likely to continue as long as we see this signal. There is no active lava within Moku'āweoweo caldera, and the Southwest Rift Zone is not erupting. We do not expect any eruptive activity outside the Northeast Rift Zone. No property is at risk currently.
Fissure 3 is the dominant source of the largest lava flow, and the flow front is about 3.6 miles (5.8 km) from Saddle Road as of 7 a.m. HST this morning. The flows have been advancing at a rate of 0.08 miles per hour (130 meters per hour) over the last day, but they are approaching a relatively flat area and will begin to slow down, spread out, and inflate. Forecasts indicate it may take two days for lava flows to reach Saddle Road.
Last edited by FlyinHawaiian; Dec 1, 2022 at 4:38 am Reason: posts made during a day merged
Dec 1, 2022, 11:18 am
#32
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Where the flow front was as of 12;30 PM HST on 30 November 2022:
David
David
Dec 1, 2022, 6:12 pm
#33
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Per the Star-Advertiser, Hawaii County is implementing a "Safety Mitigation Plan" for the Saddle Road/DK Inouye Highway to deal with the number of people unsafely parking on the shoulder of the busy roadway to view the flows. In short, they are using a portion of the old Saddle Road to handle the sightseeing vehicles and return the highway to through traffic.
The bypass road will be one-way, entering from the Kona side and exiting on the Hilo side. Cars will be allowed to park along the right shoulder and there will be some sort of time limit by which one must exit the bypass road.
I'm going to share the direct words of a friend who went last night:
The bypass road will be one-way, entering from the Kona side and exiting on the Hilo side. Cars will be allowed to park along the right shoulder and there will be some sort of time limit by which one must exit the bypass road.
I'm going to share the direct words of a friend who went last night:
There is a new four mile long bypass loop off of DK Highway (Saddle Road) for people to view the lava. The entrance is well marked (look for the police cars and signs). The road is part of the "Old Saddle Road" and is in terrible condition so be prepared to move ahead slowly but surely. You CANNOT park for the first couple of miles but you will see where you can start to pull over about half way through. If you see lots of cars parked on the side of the road, BUT you see an open space, it is likely to be open because of hazardous conditions on the side of the road (steep cracks, boulders, etc.). Be very careful when pulling off the road to view the flow.
Be considerate and turn your headlights off so that you don't blind everyone around you once you do pull over. Having a headlamp or two will help navigate the rough lava by the side of the road. DO NOT venture off the side of the road. There are unexploded bombs everywhere, very rough A`a lava, and they will arrest you.
If you go, make sure you have a full tank of gas, covered shoes, water, and a lot of patience. Traffic is very dense and it will take you at least an hour or two to get through the loop (going to be worse this weekend as many descend from other islands). Thick clouds can obscure the entire flow while we were there so be prepared to hang out for a while to get a chance to see the lava.
It was 46 degrees at 10pm last night and falling so wear warm clothes in layers and a hat if you have one. Lastly, be very vigilant of other people in the dark. We saw two ambulances last night for car/pedestrian accidents and falling into the rough old lava on the side of the road.
Again, people are going to be hurried, frustrated, and just plain not paying attention while driving so you need to be hyper vigilant when you are out of your car. Standing on the road in the dark while the next guy is craning his neck to see the lava is a good way to get run over.
On your way up, remember that you 100% CANNOT pull over on DK Highway, it is an automatic $1,000 fine, impoundment of your car is possible, and/or you spend the night in jail at Pohakuloa's brig if you lip off to the cops. Consider yourself warned.
This weekend will be incredibly crowded so if you are game for it consider going very late at night/before dawn. We did one night and seeing the sunrise with the lava was magical. Crowds will be much less but you will be much more tired the next day. Trade offs all around.
All of that said, it is spectacular and a lifetime event to view for sure. It is 100% worth going and you will remember it forever.
Be considerate and turn your headlights off so that you don't blind everyone around you once you do pull over. Having a headlamp or two will help navigate the rough lava by the side of the road. DO NOT venture off the side of the road. There are unexploded bombs everywhere, very rough A`a lava, and they will arrest you.
If you go, make sure you have a full tank of gas, covered shoes, water, and a lot of patience. Traffic is very dense and it will take you at least an hour or two to get through the loop (going to be worse this weekend as many descend from other islands). Thick clouds can obscure the entire flow while we were there so be prepared to hang out for a while to get a chance to see the lava.
It was 46 degrees at 10pm last night and falling so wear warm clothes in layers and a hat if you have one. Lastly, be very vigilant of other people in the dark. We saw two ambulances last night for car/pedestrian accidents and falling into the rough old lava on the side of the road.
Again, people are going to be hurried, frustrated, and just plain not paying attention while driving so you need to be hyper vigilant when you are out of your car. Standing on the road in the dark while the next guy is craning his neck to see the lava is a good way to get run over.
On your way up, remember that you 100% CANNOT pull over on DK Highway, it is an automatic $1,000 fine, impoundment of your car is possible, and/or you spend the night in jail at Pohakuloa's brig if you lip off to the cops. Consider yourself warned.
This weekend will be incredibly crowded so if you are game for it consider going very late at night/before dawn. We did one night and seeing the sunrise with the lava was magical. Crowds will be much less but you will be much more tired the next day. Trade offs all around.
All of that said, it is spectacular and a lifetime event to view for sure. It is 100% worth going and you will remember it forever.
Last edited by FlyinHawaiian; Dec 2, 2022 at 2:35 pm
Dec 2, 2022, 11:33 am
#34
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Photos and videos with lots 'o lava from yesterday: Photo and Video Chronology – Mauna Loa – December 1, 2022 | U.S. Geological Survey (usgs.gov)
David
David
Dec 4, 2022, 9:58 pm
#35
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Thermal flow maps from past few days:
New webcams are up showing Mauna Kea's eruption: https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/mauna-loa/webcams
David
New webcams are up showing Mauna Kea's eruption: https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/mauna-loa/webcams
David
Last edited by FlyinHawaiian; Dec 5, 2022 at 5:00 am Reason: consecutive posts merged
Dec 4, 2022, 10:43 pm
#36
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A pretty good article on the eruption in The NY Times:
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/03/s...smid=share-url
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/03/s...smid=share-url
Dec 4, 2022, 11:32 pm
#37
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Live webcam streaming of Fissure 3 on Mauna Loa:
For those unable to view the embedded YouTube link, here's what an example of a single image from the webcam stream at night:
David
For those unable to view the embedded YouTube link, here's what an example of a single image from the webcam stream at night:
David
Last edited by FlyinHawaiian; Dec 6, 2022 at 4:05 am Reason: consecutive posts merged
Dec 5, 2022, 2:38 pm
#38
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thanks for continuing to post these! any estimates on how high the lava is shooting into the air?
Dec 5, 2022, 3:41 pm
#39
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Sustained fountain heights of 141 feet (43 meters) with bursts reaching over 232 feet in height (71 meters) were measured.
FYI, the spatter erupted out of Fissure 3 has built the cone shown above to a height of 95 feet (29 meters).
Probably a good idea to not get too close. Also the lava river flowing slowly toward Saddle Road is getting longer by the day (10.34 miles (16.70 km) long as of yesterday).
Some good videos posted as well.
David
Dec 6, 2022, 3:33 pm
#40
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I came back from a Big Island trip this last Sunday. My mother really wanted to take the chance to see the eruption while we were on a three-day weekend to the Islands. Also visited Molokai (that was the pre-planned excursion unlike this one).
We took the 6:55AM WN flight from HNL-ITO and we chose seats on the right side of the plane in the back from the planned route that day on FlightAware and historical data. Towards the end of boarding, the FAs said the pilots said the right side would have best viewing chances. The info was correct and you could see the smoke/steam from the eruption into the air flying into Hilo.
We got an Avis rental car (if you didn't have Preferred, you were stuck waiting in a combined Budget/Avis line with one person at the counter) and took off for Volcanoes National Park. The only thing Halemanu crater in Kilauea caldera was doing was steaming and smoking in many spots. There was no active lava fountains at the time we visited unfortunately. We then did the drive down to Chain of Craters road to the ocean and did a walk at the end and stops along the way. We stopped for lunch and then to the Saddle Road.
From Hilo, the drive was pretty quick as it is two-lane on the northbound side for most of the drive. As others posted above, you can turn left into the one-way viewing road where the Mauna Kea State Recreation Area is. You have to stop to talk to a couple security folks before you drive in. The basic rules were do not park where the military section is (seems the first part of the road). Stay to the left of the two-lane road as people are free to park on the right shoulder and into the right lane. You are supposed to only stay 90 minutes, but it is an honor system as nobody is actually tagging or monitoring the hundreds of cars parked and driving along. I felt the best views were towards the volcanic cones on the left and closer to where the one-way road ends.
That said, it was so cloudy and rainy that we got one glimpse of the lava when we first entered and did not see anything else for the next 90 minutes and then we had to head back to the airport to catch our 8:25PM Hawaiian ITO-HNL flight. It actually got worse as the evening wore on for us. If you do go, I would recommend you bring food, warm clothes and blankets and whatever might make time go by more comfortable. Also bring binoculars. It is definitely cold there during the evening. Do not just bring beach gear.
The most spectacular view came from the return flight back as the left side of the plane had amazing views of the lava show leaving Hilo. You can see the spewing, the lava flows, and the lava red glow illuminating the sky. It really did look like some out of Lord of the Rings.
Even though we didn't see as much as we hoped we would, we did see the lava from the Saddle Road for a few minutes and then from the sky, it was more active eruption/lava than we have seen in our life so far and the trip to see Volcanoes NP again was lovely.
Ping with any questions...
We took the 6:55AM WN flight from HNL-ITO and we chose seats on the right side of the plane in the back from the planned route that day on FlightAware and historical data. Towards the end of boarding, the FAs said the pilots said the right side would have best viewing chances. The info was correct and you could see the smoke/steam from the eruption into the air flying into Hilo.
We got an Avis rental car (if you didn't have Preferred, you were stuck waiting in a combined Budget/Avis line with one person at the counter) and took off for Volcanoes National Park. The only thing Halemanu crater in Kilauea caldera was doing was steaming and smoking in many spots. There was no active lava fountains at the time we visited unfortunately. We then did the drive down to Chain of Craters road to the ocean and did a walk at the end and stops along the way. We stopped for lunch and then to the Saddle Road.
From Hilo, the drive was pretty quick as it is two-lane on the northbound side for most of the drive. As others posted above, you can turn left into the one-way viewing road where the Mauna Kea State Recreation Area is. You have to stop to talk to a couple security folks before you drive in. The basic rules were do not park where the military section is (seems the first part of the road). Stay to the left of the two-lane road as people are free to park on the right shoulder and into the right lane. You are supposed to only stay 90 minutes, but it is an honor system as nobody is actually tagging or monitoring the hundreds of cars parked and driving along. I felt the best views were towards the volcanic cones on the left and closer to where the one-way road ends.
That said, it was so cloudy and rainy that we got one glimpse of the lava when we first entered and did not see anything else for the next 90 minutes and then we had to head back to the airport to catch our 8:25PM Hawaiian ITO-HNL flight. It actually got worse as the evening wore on for us. If you do go, I would recommend you bring food, warm clothes and blankets and whatever might make time go by more comfortable. Also bring binoculars. It is definitely cold there during the evening. Do not just bring beach gear.
The most spectacular view came from the return flight back as the left side of the plane had amazing views of the lava show leaving Hilo. You can see the spewing, the lava flows, and the lava red glow illuminating the sky. It really did look like some out of Lord of the Rings.
Even though we didn't see as much as we hoped we would, we did see the lava from the Saddle Road for a few minutes and then from the sky, it was more active eruption/lava than we have seen in our life so far and the trip to see Volcanoes NP again was lovely.
Ping with any questions...
Dec 6, 2022, 4:04 pm
#41
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I was there early this morning from about 5 - 7am. It was cold, cloudy, rainy and windy. We saw nothing. Not even a spec of orange glow. Staying in Volcano. Planning an early bedtime and setting the alarm for 3am.
Not giving up just yet!
Not giving up just yet!
Dec 6, 2022, 11:14 pm
#42
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Today's photo and video chronology (https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/h...ecember-6-2022) indicating that weather on Mauna Loa limited HVO's collection of photos and videos for 12/06/22.
Images and videos taken from previous days highlighted the flow rate out of Fissure 3:
Aerial photo from 12/05/22:
Caption notes:
Still from video on 12/05/22:
Caption:
Aerial shot from 12/04/22:
Caption:
YouTube video from 12/04/22 overflight:
HVO's page of the same video (but better quality than YouTube): https://www.usgs.gov/media/videos/de...ure-3-erupting
And the video page of the lava flow channel from which the still above was captured on 12/05/22:
David
Images and videos taken from previous days highlighted the flow rate out of Fissure 3:
Aerial photo from 12/05/22:
Caption notes:
Fountain heights of 130 feet (40 meters), with bursts over 330 feet (100m) were measured by HVO field crews.
Still from video on 12/05/22:
Caption:
A close up view of the fissure 3 lava channel erupting from Mauna Loa's Northeast Rift Zone, as seen by Hawaiian Volcano Observatory field crews on the morning of December 5, 2022. The large bumps are standing waves in the lava. Channel velocities here, closer to the vent where the channels are narrow, were measured at 26-36 feet per second (8.2-11 meters per second). However, farther downslope, the wide lava flow front is advancing slowly at about average rate of about 20 feet per hour (6 meters per hour) over the 24-hour period prior to December 5, 2022. USGS image by L. Gallant.
Aerial shot from 12/04/22:
Caption:
Aerial image of fissure 3 erupting on the Northeast Rift Zone of Mauna Loa, at an elevation of approximately 11,500 feet (3,510 m) above sea level. On December 4, 2022, the new cone around fissure 3 was measured at 92-95 feet (28-29 m) tall. USGS image.
The eruption area on Mauna Loa is under a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) up to 1500 feet above ground level, prohibiting access to all aircraft not involved in eruption-response operations. The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory—whose mission is to monitor active volcanoes in Hawaii, assess their hazards, issue warnings, and advance scientific understanding to reduce the impacts of volcanic eruptions—is authorized to fly both manned and unmanned aircraft within the TFR. No unauthorized aircraft may enter this airspace. Additionally, part of the eruption area is within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park; launching, landing, or operating an unmanned aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is prohibited under 36 CFR Closures & Public Use.
The eruption area on Mauna Loa is under a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) up to 1500 feet above ground level, prohibiting access to all aircraft not involved in eruption-response operations. The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory—whose mission is to monitor active volcanoes in Hawaii, assess their hazards, issue warnings, and advance scientific understanding to reduce the impacts of volcanic eruptions—is authorized to fly both manned and unmanned aircraft within the TFR. No unauthorized aircraft may enter this airspace. Additionally, part of the eruption area is within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park; launching, landing, or operating an unmanned aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is prohibited under 36 CFR Closures & Public Use.
YouTube video from 12/04/22 overflight:
HVO's page of the same video (but better quality than YouTube): https://www.usgs.gov/media/videos/de...ure-3-erupting
And the video page of the lava flow channel from which the still above was captured on 12/05/22:
David
Dec 7, 2022, 12:11 am
#43
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That said, it was so cloudy and rainy that we got one glimpse of the lava when we first entered and did not see anything else for the next 90 minutes and then we had to head back to the airport to catch our 8:25PM Hawaiian ITO-HNL flight. It actually got worse as the evening wore on for us. If you do go, I would recommend you bring food, warm clothes and blankets and whatever might make time go by more comfortable. Also bring binoculars. It is definitely cold there during the evening. Do not just bring beach gear.
On the flight back Sunday, Mauna Loa was visible several hundred miles away from Hawaii.
Dec 7, 2022, 1:24 am
#44
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That's unfortunate. I impulsively decided to fly to the Big Island from California on Saturday in an attempt to view the eruption, and despite a "Mostly Cloudy" weather forecast was incredibly lucky to experience relatively clear conditions when I headed up to Saddle Road around 4 AM Sunday morning. While there were a couple waves of fog, they passed through quickly and the view of the lava flow was amazing (made even more special by the remarkable backdrop of stars). Ended up just staring at the eruption, awestruck, for a couple hours until sunrise. I did regret not bringing binoculars and a better camera, as the cell phone photos below don't do it justice.
Dec 7, 2022, 2:51 pm
#45
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David