Puna lava flow update

            First let me apologize for not posting in the last few weeks. We just returned from a spectacular vacation in New Zealand. Anyone interested in natural forces should schedule a visit. Despite 55 years as a geologist, I had never experienced a glacier. In New Zealand we got a chance to helicopter onto a glacier and walk the surface. One more item off the bucket list.

            While we were gone the lava did not advance toward Pahoa town. The front of the flow has stalled and cooled significantly. Therefore, at this time there is no immediate threat to any structure in the Pahoa area.

            However, just because the front has stalled that does not mean that all is over. The Puʻu Oʻo vent is still active and lava is flowing down slope. There have been some breakouts about three miles above the town that have been advancing several hundred yards a day. As is typical in this type of activity, Pele takes her time to decide where to go. So, although all roads are now open in the area, the USGS is constantly monitoring the activity. Conditions can change very rapidly.