Overview

• Episode 32 began at 6:35 a.m. HST on September 2 with inclined lava fountains reaching about 150 meters (500 feet) and a convective plume rising to roughly 2.7–6 kilometers.
• HVO reports the activity remains confined to Halemaʻumaʻu within the summit caldera, with no signs of unrest in the East or Southwest Rift Zones, and the volcano stays at Alert Level WATCH and Aviation Color Code ORANGE.
• The National Weather Service says inclined fountains should limit ash and tephra, but sulfur dioxide may increase downwind and form vog that degrades air quality.
• Near-vent hazards include Pele’s hair that can travel many kilometers, localized pumice, scoria and ash fall within about 1–3 kilometers, and vortices that lofted fragments hundreds of meters above the vent.
• Officials note these summit-only episodes have recurred about weekly since December, recent bursts have tended to be brief, and viewing is available in the park or via USGS livestreams with safety guidance and alerts recommended.