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Published on March 11, 2025
Kīlauea Volcano Spouts 600-Foot Lava Fountains in 13th Eruption Since 2024Source: U.S. Geological Survey

Kīlauea has erupted for the 13th time since December 2024, launching lava fountains into the sky as high as 600 feet. The eruption began yesterday, with the United States Geological Survey (USGS) reporting that lava fountains reached 400-500 feet around 2:30 a.m. HST and surpassed 600 feet by 4 a.m. Prior to the larger bursts, smaller eruptions up to 30 feet in height were observed earlier in the afternoon, reported KITV.

The volcano's tilt, noted by the USGS, coincides with a shift from inflation to deflation. The lava flow, originating from the north vent, initially covered about 20-30% of the Halemaʻumaʻu crater floor and has expanded to cover 40-50%, according to KHON2. Eruption episodes have varied in length, typically ranging from 13 hours to slightly more than a week, with breaks occurring between a few hours and a couple of weeks.

The current alert level for the volcano is set at "WATCH," with an aviation color code of "ORANGE," indicating a continued threat to air traffic and surrounding areas. These designations highlight the significant risk posed by the ongoing activity. However, the volcanic events remain confined within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, helping to limit their impact to a specific area, as per KITV.

For those interested in observing Kīlauea's eruption from a safe distance, the USGS offers a live stream on YouTube. This provides a real-time view of the volcanic activity for both enthusiasts and those concerned about the ongoing events. More detailed updates on Kīlauea’s activity are also available on the USGS website for those seeking further information.