ALASKA VOLCANO OBSERVATORY DAILY UPDATE
U.S. Geological Survey
Tuesday, March 10, 2026, 11:16 AM AKDT (Tuesday, March 10, 2026, 19:16 UTC)
Lava continues to erupt slowly within the summit crater of Great Sitkin Volcano. Seismic activity remains elevated with small earthquakes and rockfalls detected over the past day. Clouds obscured most satellite and webcam views of the lava dome, with no significant changes observed.
The current lava eruption began in July 2021 and, since then, has filled most of the summit crater and advanced into valleys below. There have been no explosions at Great Sitkin Volcano since an event in May 2021. The volcano is monitored using local seismic and infrasound sensors, satellite data, webcams, and regional infrasound and lightning networks.
To view monitoring data and other information about Great Sitkin: https://avo.alaska.edu/volcano/great-sitkin
Unrest continues at Shishaldin Volcano. Seismic and infrasound activity remains elevated, with numerous small earthquakes and infrasound detections observed over the past day. A steam plume was seen in partly cloudy satellite and webcam imagery.
Local seismic and infrasound sensors, web cameras, and a geodetic network are used to monitor Shishaldin Volcano. In addition to the local monitoring network, AVO uses nearby geophysical networks, regional infrasound and lightning data, and satellite images to detect eruptions.
To view monitoring data and other information about Shishaldin: https://avo.alaska.edu/volcano/shishaldin
Chris Waythomas, Acting Scientist-in-Charge, USGS cwaythomas@usgs.gov (907) 786-7497
David Fee, Coordinating Scientist, UAFGI dfee1@alaska.edu (907) 378-5460
Contact AVO: https://avo.alaska.edu/contact
The Alaska Volcano Observatory is a cooperative program of the U.S. Geological Survey, the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute, and the Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys.
CALIFORNIA VOLCANO OBSERVATORY WEEKLY UPDATE
U.S. Geological Survey
Tuesday, March 10, 2026, 9:50 AM PDT (Tuesday, March 10, 2026, 16:50 UTC)
Monitored CALIFORNIA VOLCANOES
Current Volcano Alert Level: all NORMAL
Current Aviation Color Code: all GREEN
Activity Update: All volcanoes monitored by CalVO show normal background earthquake activity and deformation. Monitored volcanoes include Mount Shasta, Medicine Lake Volcano, Lassen Volcanic Center, Clear Lake Volcanic Field, Long Valley Volcanic Region, Coso Volcanic Field, Ubehebe Craters, and Salton Buttes.
Past Week Observations for March 02 (0000h PST) to March 08 (2359h PDT):
One earthquake greater than M1 was recorded within the Clear Lake Volcanic Field, with a magnitude of M1.1.
Typical seismicity was recorded at The Geysers geothermal field south of the Clear Lake Volcanic Field; 110 earthquakes greater than M1 were recorded, with the largest having a magnitude of M3.6.
Three earthquakes greater than M1 were recorded in the Long Valley Caldera, with the largest having a magnitude of M1.3.
Three earthquakes greater than M1 were recorded in the Sierra Nevada Block, south of Mammoth Mountain and Long Valley, with the largest having a magnitude of M1.4.
Three earthquakes greater than M1 were recorded in the Coso Volcanic Field, with the largest having a magnitude of M1.4.
One earthquake greater than M1 was recorded near the Salton Buttes, with a magnitude of M1.3.
CalVO's Weekly Update only highlights volcanoes which have experienced seismic activity or volcanic unrest. If there are no comments for a volcano, CalVO has detected no earthquakes with magnitudes greater than or equal to M1.0, or any other kind of unrest. Only earthquakes with magnitudes greater than M1.0 are reported here.
These earthquake counts are preliminary and subject to change as the earthquakes are reviewed by seismologists. The U.S. Geological Survey will continue to monitor these volcanoes closely and will issue additional updates and changes in alert level as warranted. For a definition of alert levels see https://www.usgs.gov/programs/VHP/alert-level-icons.
As part of the U.S. Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program, the California Volcano Observatory monitors the volcanoes of California and Nevada and advances scientific understanding of volcanic processes in order to reduce the harmful impacts of volcanic activity. For additional USGS CalVO volcano information, background, images, and other graphics visit https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/calvo. For general information on the USGS Volcano Hazard Program visit https://www.usgs.gov/natural-hazards/volcano-hazards/. Statewide seismic information for California and Nevada can be found at https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/map/.
HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY STATUS REPORT
U.S. Geological Survey
Tuesday, March 10, 2026, 9:19 PM HST (Wednesday, March 11, 2026, 07:19 UTC)
Activity Summary:
Tephra fall outside of the closed area of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park along the north rim of Kaluapele (Kīlauea caldera) and into adjacent communities. Tephra as large as 6 inches was reported from the Volcano Golf Course and fine ash and Peleʻs hair was reported as far away as Hilo..
Episode 43 Chronology:
Episode 43 lava fountaining from the north and south vents stopped at approximately 6:21 p.m. HST on March 10. The south fountain dropped suddenly at 6:18 p.m. HST and began irregular jetting. Both vents stopped suddenly at 6:21 p.m. HST after erupting to 500-600 feet (150-200 meters) high for the last hour. Episode 43 ended after 9 hours and 4 minutes with both the north and south vents active for most of the eruption. The highest peak or instantaneous effusion rate of 1000 cubic yards (800 cubic meters) per second occurred around 10:30 a.m. HST on March 10. Episode 43 ended with an average effusion rate of 400 cubic yards per second (300 cubic meters per second). An estimated 16 million cubic yards (12 million cubic meters) of lava erupted and covered about 50% of Halemaʻumaʻu crater floor. The Uēkahuna tiltmeter (UWD) recorded about 33.7 microradians of deflationary tilt during episode 43. The total erupted volume since December 2024 is now close to 325 million cubic yards (250 million cubic meters).
The onset of episode 43 fountaining of the ongoing Halemaʻumaʻu eruption occurred at 9:17 a.m. HST on March 10, 2026 about an hour after the start of precursory eruptions at 8:20 a.m. HST. The start of episode 43 was marked by a sharp increase in tremor and deflationary tilt recorded at the Uēkahuna tiltmeter (UWD). At first, the north vent grew rapidly, exceeding 100 meters (330 feet) in height by 10:00 a.m. and both north and south vents exceeding 1000 feet (300 meters) by 10:50 a.m. HST. North and south vent fountain heights peaked shortly after 11:00 a.m. HST, with maximum fountain heights during the episode estimated to be at least 1300 feet (400 meters) from both vents. After about 12:00 p.m. HST, the south vent fountain remained consistently about 10-30 percent higher than the north vent fountains for the majority of the eruption. By 2:00 p.m. HST the south vent had dropped to 1000 feet (300 meters) high and the north vent about 700 feet (220 meters) high. By 5:00 p.m. fountain heights for the south and north vents had dropped to 700 feet (220 meters) and 600 feet (180 meters) respectively.
The dual fountains produced significant heat and ash, creating a plume that reached10,000 feet (3050 meters) a.s.l. at 10:10 a.m. HST, over 20,000 feet (6100 meters) by 11:30 a.m. HST, and over 25,000 feet (7600 meters) a.s.l. by 10:50 a.m. HST. The maximum plume height exceeded 30,000 feet (9100 meters) a.s.l. by 11:30 a.m. HST. Light southwest winds at lower elevations pushed the plume and tephra fall to the north and east.
This eruption was comparable in size to episodes 41 and 42, but due to light winds produced tephra fallout similar to but not as great as episode 41. The plume sent tephra falling within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park along the north rim of Kaluapele (Kīlauea caldera) and into adjacent communities. The heaviest tephra fall was recorded at Uēkahuna overlook (about 4-7 inches of accumulation) where 2-inch tephra began falling at around 10:20 a.m. HST and Kīlauea Military Camp (about 2 inches of accumulation) where 4-5 inch tephra fell starting at about 10:20 a.m. HST. The Volcano Golf Course community was hardest hit with a blanket of tephra with pieces up to several inches in diameter.
Alert levels were raised from ORANGE / WATCH to RED / WARNING by the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory at 10:54 a.m. HST reflecting potential hazards to surrounding communities and aviation. Highway 11 was closed at about 11:10 a.m. HST and Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park (HVNP) closed the western overlooks at about 11:20 a.m. HST and evacuated visitors from those areas. The National Weather Service issued an ash fall WARNING at 11:29 a.m. HST following an earlier ash fall advisory. HVNP closed a short time later. Smaller but significant tephra falls occurred in Volcano Village and Mauna Loa estates with lighter tephra as far as Royal Hawaiian Estates, about 6 miles northeast of the vents. As the eruption progressed, ash and Pele’s hair was reported from Mountain View and finally as far as Hilo, Hawaiian Paradise Park, and the Hamakua Coast just north of Hilo.
Resources:
Hazard Analysis:
More Information:
The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory is one of five volcano observatories within the U.S. Geological Survey and is responsible for monitoring volcanoes and earthquakes in Hawaiʻi and American Samoa.
Subscribe to these messages: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/vns2/
Summary of volcanic hazards from eruptions: https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/hvo/hazards
Recent earthquakes in Hawaiʻi (map and list): https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/hvo
Explanation of Volcano Alert Levels and Aviation Color Codes: https://www.usgs.gov/programs/VHP/volcanic-alert-levels-characterize-conditions-us-volcanoes
Episode 43 of the ongoing Halemaʻumaʻu eruption ended abruptly at 6:21 p.m. HST on March 10, 2026 after 9 hours of continuous lava fountaining. Additional details on this eruptive episode will be provided in the next official report.
Hazard Analysis:
Volcanic Gas: water vapor (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions can remain locally hazardous in the areas immediately downwind of the vents, even when the vents are not actively erupting. SO2 reacts in the atmosphere to create vog (volcanic air pollution) downwind. SO2 and vog may cause respiratory and other problems at high concentrations. Further information on vog can be found at https://vog.ivhhn.org/
Tephra: small glassy volcanic fragments may be remobilized during windy conditions following recent eruptive episodes. Residents and visitors should minimize exposure to these fragments, which can cause skin and eye irritation. More information is available at the links below:
Lava flows: lava on the floor of Halemaʻumaʻu crater and the southwest side of Kaluapele, Kīlauea's summit caldera, remain hot and may slowly move in the days immediately following an eruptive episode.
Other significant hazards exist around Kīlauea caldera from Halemaʻumaʻu crater wall instability, ground cracking, and rockfalls that can be enhanced by earthquakes. Close to the vents, the tephra material on the crater rim is prone to cracking, slumping, and small landslides that sometimes expose hot and molten material within. This underscores the extremely hazardous nature of Kīlauea's caldera rim surrounding Halemaʻumaʻu crater, an area that has been closed to the public since late 2007.
HVO continues to closely monitor Kīlauea and will issue additional notices as needed based on activity. Regularly scheduled daily updates for Kīlauea are posted on the HVO website at https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/volcano-updates
More Information:
Subscribe to these messages: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/vns2/
Summary of volcanic hazards from eruptions: https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/hvo/hazards
Recent earthquakes in Hawaiʻi (map and list): https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/hvo
Explanation of Volcano Alert Levels and Aviation Color Codes: https://www.usgs.gov/programs/VHP/volcanic-alert-levels-characterize-conditions-us-volcanoes
WMPA01 PHVO 110427
VONA
DTG: 20260311/0427Z
VOLCANO: KILAUEA 332010
PSN: N1925 W15517
AREA: HAWAII
SOURCE ELEV: 4091FT AMSL
NOTICE NR: 2026/11
CURRENT COLOUR CODE: ORANGE
PREVIOUS COLOUR CODE: ORANGE
SVO: HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY
ACT STS: ERUPTION OCCURRED
ONSET: 20260310/1950Z
DUR: 9 HR
VA CLD HGT: 10000FT AMSL
HGT SOURCE: NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
MOV: N
CTC: HVO DUTY SCIENTIST: 808-785-3144
RMK: LAVA FOUNTAIN EPISODE 43 ENDED AT KILAUEA SUMMIT. FOUNTAIN ACTIVITY IN THIS AREA
UNLIKELY FOR THE NEXT SEVERAL WEEKS. REFER TO NWS FOR INFORMATION ON DRIFTING PLUME.
NXT NOTICE: A NEW VONA WILL BE ISSUED IF COND CHANGE SIGNIFICANTLY OR IF THE COLOR CODE CHANGES
NNNNEpisode 43 of lava fountaining in Halemaʻumaʻu began at the summit of Kīlauea began at 9:17 a.m. HST on March 10 and continues as of this notice.
The National Weather Service reports that the plume from this eruption is reached over 10,000 to 15,000 feet above sea level. Ground-level sensors near the eruptive vents indicate that winds are light and variable with winds about the inversion level (8,000 to10,000 feet ASML) light from the southwest, which suggests that volcanic gas emissions and sparse volcanic material may be distributed to the northeast direction from Halemaʻumaʻu. Currently only Peleʻs hair and fine ash are falling in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and adjacent communities with rare pumice less than 0.5 inches.
Most lava fountaining episodes since December 23, 2024, have continued for a day or less.
Hazard Analysis:
Volcanic Gas: water vapor (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2) are continuously released during an eruption. SO2 reacts in the atmosphere to create the visible haze known as vog (volcanic air pollution) downwind, which may cause respiratory and other problems. Further information on vog can be found at https://vog.ivhhn.org/
Tephra: small glassy volcanic fragments—volcanic ash, pumice, scoria, Pele’s hair and reticulite—are created by the lava fountains. A combination of fountaining dynamics and wind conditions determines where tephra fall may occur for any given eruption episode. Larger particles fall near the vents while light particles may be wafted greater distances. These particles may be remobilized during windy conditions following recent eruptive episodes. Residents and visitors should minimize exposure to these fragments, which can cause skin, eye, and respiratory irritation. More information and guidance on tephra fall hazards is available at https://seagrant.soest.hawaii.edu/resource-and-guidance-for-volcanic-tephra-fall/
Lava flows: generally advance slowly downslope, and during this eruption flows have been confined to Halemaʻumaʻu crater and the southwest side of Kaluapele, Kīlauea's summit caldera.
Other significant hazards exist around Kīlauea caldera from Halemaʻumaʻu crater wall instability, ground cracking, and rockfalls that can be enhanced by earthquakes. Close to the vents, the tephra material on the crater rim is prone to cracking, slumping, and small landslides that sometimes expose hot and molten material within. This underscores the extremely hazardous nature of Kīlauea's caldera rim surrounding Halemaʻumaʻu crater, an area that has been closed to the public since late 2007.
HVO continues to closely monitor Kīlauea and will issue additional notices as needed based on activity. Regularly scheduled daily updates for Kīlauea are posted on the HVO website at https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/volcano-updates
More Information:
Subscribe to these messages: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/vns2/
Summary of volcanic hazards from eruptions: https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/hvo/hazards
Recent earthquakes in Hawaiʻi (map and list): https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/hvo
Explanation of Volcano Alert Levels and Aviation Color Codes: https://www.usgs.gov/programs/VHP/volcanic-alert-levels-characterize-conditions-us-volcanoes
WMPA01 PHVO 110407
VONA
DTG: 20260311/0407Z
VOLCANO: KILAUEA 332010
PSN: N1925 W15517
AREA: HAWAII
SOURCE ELEV: 4091FT AMSL
NOTICE NR: 2026/10
CURRENT COLOUR CODE: ORANGE
PREVIOUS COLOUR CODE: RED
SVO: HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY
ACT STS: ERUPTION ONGOING
ONSET: 20260310/1950Z
DUR: 8 HR
VA CLD HGT: UNKNOWN
HGT SOURCE: USGS WEB CAM
MOV: NE
CTC: HVO DUTY SCIENTIST: 808-785-3144
RMK: LAVA FOUNTAIN EPISODE 43 CONTINUES AT KILAUEA SUMMIT. FOUNTAINS CURRENTLY REACHING
600 FT AGL. NWS HAS PLUME CURRENTLY REACHING 10000 TO 15000FT AMSL. FALLOUT OF FINE
ASH AND PELEʻS HAIR MAY CONTINUE IN NE DIRECTION DOWNWIND OF VENTS AS FAR AS HILO.
NXT NOTICE: A NEW VONA WILL BE ISSUED IF COND CHANGE SIGNIFICANTLY OR IF THE COLOR CODE CHANGES
NNNN
HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY STATUS REPORT
U.S. Geological Survey
Tuesday, March 10, 2026, 12:17 PM HST (Tuesday, March 10, 2026, 22:17 UTC)
Activity Summary:
Resources:
Hazard Analysis:
More Information:
The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory is one of five volcano observatories within the U.S. Geological Survey and is responsible for monitoring volcanoes and earthquakes in Hawaiʻi and American Samoa.
Subscribe to these messages: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/vns2/
Summary of volcanic hazards from eruptions: https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/hvo/hazards
Recent earthquakes in Hawaiʻi (map and list): https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/hvo
Explanation of Volcano Alert Levels and Aviation Color Codes: https://www.usgs.gov/programs/VHP/volcanic-alert-levels-characterize-conditions-us-volcanoes
Episode 43 of lava fountaining in Halemaʻumaʻu began at the summit of Kīlauea began at 9:17 am HST on 3/10/2026 and continues as of this notice. Fallout up to football size pieces and smaller are reported at overlooks in Hawai'i Volcanoes National park, creating hazardous ground conditions. Accordingly, the Volcano Alert Level is being raised from WATCH to WARNING.
The National Weather Service OR Washington Volcanic Ash Advisory Center reports that the plume from this eruption is reaching 25,000 feet above sea level. Ground-level sensors near the eruptive vents indicate that winds are blowing from the south direction, which suggests that volcanic gas emissions and volcanic material may be distributed to the north direction from Halemaʻumaʻu.
Most lava fountaining episodes since December 23, 2024, have continued for a day or less.
Hazard Analysis:
Volcanic Gas: water vapor (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2) are continuously released during an eruption. SO2 reacts in the atmosphere to create the visible haze known as vog (volcanic air pollution) downwind, which may cause respiratory and other problems. Further information on vog can be found at https://vog.ivhhn.org/
Tephra: small glassy volcanic fragments—volcanic ash, pumice, scoria, Pele’s hair and reticulite—are created by the lava fountains. A combination of fountaining dynamics and wind conditions determines where tephra fall may occur for any given eruption episode. Larger particles fall near the vents while light particles may be wafted greater distances. These particles may be remobilized during windy conditions following recent eruptive episodes. Residents and visitors should minimize exposure to these fragments, which can cause skin, eye, and respiratory irritation. More information and guidance on tephra fall hazards is available at https://seagrant.soest.hawaii.edu/resource-and-guidance-for-volcanic-tephra-fall/
Lava flows: generally advance slowly downslope, and during this eruption flows have been confined to Halemaʻumaʻu crater and the southwest side of Kaluapele, Kīlauea's summit caldera.
Other significant hazards exist around Kīlauea caldera from Halemaʻumaʻu crater wall instability, ground cracking, and rockfalls that can be enhanced by earthquakes. Close to the vents, the tephra material on the crater rim is prone to cracking, slumping, and small landslides that sometimes expose hot and molten material within. This underscores the extremely hazardous nature of Kīlauea's caldera rim surrounding Halemaʻumaʻu crater, an area that has been closed to the public since late 2007.
HVO continues to closely monitor Kīlauea and will issue additional notices as needed based on activity. Regularly scheduled daily updates for Kīlauea are posted on the HVO website at https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/volcano-updates
More Information:
Subscribe to these messages: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/vns2/
Summary of volcanic hazards from eruptions: https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/hvo/hazards
Recent earthquakes in Hawaiʻi (map and list): https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/hvo
Explanation of Volcano Alert Levels and Aviation Color Codes: https://www.usgs.gov/programs/VHP/volcanic-alert-levels-characterize-conditions-us-volcanoes
WMPA01 PHVO 102054
VONA
DTG: 20260310/2054Z
VOLCANO: KILAUEA 332010
PSN: N1925 W15517
AREA: HAWAII
SOURCE ELEV: 4091FT AMSL
NOTICE NR: 2026/09
CURRENT COLOUR CODE: RED
PREVIOUS COLOUR CODE: ORANGE
SVO: HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY
ACT STS: ERUPTION ONGOING
ONSET: 20260310/1950Z
DUR: ONGOING CONS
VA CLD HGT: 25000FT AMSL
HGT SOURCE: RADAR
MOV: NE
CTC: HVO DUTY SCIENTIST: 808-785-3144
RMK: LAVA FOUNTAIN EPISODE 43 CONTINUES AT KILAUEA SUMMIT. PLUME CURRENTLY REACHING 20,000
FT AGL. NWS/VAAC REPORTS PLUME CURRENTLY REACHING 25,000 FT AMSL. FALLOUT LIKELY IN
THE SURROUND COMMUNITIES AND DOWNWIND OF PLUME.
NXT NOTICE: A NEW VONA WILL BE ISSUED IF COND CHANGE SIGNIFICANTLY OR IF THE COLOR CODE CHANGES
NNNNEpisode 43 of lava fountaining in Halemaʻumaʻu began at the summit of Kīlauea began at 9:17 HST on March 10, 2026.
Ground-level sensors near the eruptive vents indicate that winds are light and variable, which suggests that volcanic gas emissions and volcanic material may be distributed unpredictably from Halemaʻumaʻu.
Most lava fountaining episodes since December 23, 2024, have continued for a day or less.
Hazard Analysis:
Volcanic Gas: water vapor (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2) are continuously released during an eruption. SO2 reacts in the atmosphere to create the visible haze known as vog (volcanic air pollution) downwind, which may cause respiratory and other problems. Further information on vog can be found at https://vog.ivhhn.org/
Tephra: small glassy volcanic fragments—volcanic ash, pumice, scoria, Pele’s hair and reticulite—are created by the lava fountains. A combination of fountaining dynamics and wind conditions determines where tephra fall may occur for any given eruption episode. Larger particles fall near the vents while light particles may be wafted greater distances. These particles may be remobilized during windy conditions following recent eruptive episodes. Residents and visitors should minimize exposure to these fragments, which can cause skin, eye, and respiratory irritation. More information and guidance on tephra fall hazards is available at https://seagrant.soest.hawaii.edu/resource-and-guidance-for-volcanic-tephra-fall/
Lava flows: generally advance slowly downslope, and during this eruption flows have been confined to Halemaʻumaʻu crater and the southwest side of Kaluapele, Kīlauea's summit caldera.
Other significant hazards exist around Kīlauea caldera from Halemaʻumaʻu crater wall instability, ground cracking, and rockfalls that can be enhanced by earthquakes. Close to the vents, the tephra material on the crater rim is prone to cracking, slumping, and small landslides that sometimes expose hot and molten material within. This underscores the extremely hazardous nature of Kīlauea's caldera rim surrounding Halemaʻumaʻu crater, an area that has been closed to the public since late 2007.
HVO continues to closely monitor Kīlauea and will issue additional notices as needed based on activity. Regularly scheduled daily updates for Kīlauea are posted on the HVO website at https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/volcano-updates
More Information:
Subscribe to these messages: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/vns2/
Summary of volcanic hazards from eruptions: https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/hvo/hazards
Recent earthquakes in Hawaiʻi (map and list): https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/hvo
Explanation of Volcano Alert Levels and Aviation Color Codes: https://www.usgs.gov/programs/VHP/volcanic-alert-levels-characterize-conditions-us-volcanoes
WMPA01 PHVO 101936
VONA
DTG: 20260310/1936Z
VOLCANO: KILAUEA 332010
PSN: N1925 W15517
AREA: HAWAII
SOURCE ELEV: 4091FT AMSL
NOTICE NR: 2026/08
CURRENT COLOUR CODE: ORANGE
PREVIOUS COLOUR CODE: ORANGE
SVO: HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY
ACT STS: ERUPTION ONGOING
ONSET: UNKNOWN
DUR: ONGOING CONS
VA CLD HGT: UNKNOWN
HGT SOURCE: WEBCAM
MOV: UNKNOWN
CTC: HVO DUTY SCIENTIST: 808-785-3144
RMK: LAVA FOUNTAIN EPISODE 43 STARTED AT KILAUEA SUMMIT. CURRENT FOUNTAIN HEIGHTS 50-60 FT
AGL. PEAK FOUNTAINING OCCURS 1-2 HOURS AFTER ONSET AND TYPICALLY REACHES 500-1500 FT
AGL WITH PLUMES UP TO 10,000-25,000 FT AMSL. DOWNWIND TEPHRA FALLOUT IS POSSIBLE.
NXT NOTICE: A NEW VONA WILL BE ISSUED IF COND CHANGE SIGNIFICANTLY OR IF THE COLOR CODE CHANGES
NNNN
HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY DAILY UPDATE
U.S. Geological Survey
Tuesday, March 10, 2026, 9:20 AM HST (Tuesday, March 10, 2026, 19:20 UTC)
Activity Summary:
Precursory eruption of lava began from the north vent at 8:17 a.m. HST this morning. The summit continues to slowly inflate. The modeled forecast window for the onset of episode 43 lava fountaining is between today, March 10, and Saturday March 14.
NOTE: The National Weather Service issued a Special Weather Statement forecasting strong winds from the south accompanied by periods of heavy rain possibly beginning later this week for the Island of Hawai'i. If episode 43 fountaining overlaps with this storm it could bring tephra fall to the area north and east of the vents including Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Highway 11, and communities to the north and east of the national park. Current wind conditions are light and variable at Kīlaueaʻs summit which may also lead to tephra fall into surrounding communities.
No significant activity has been noted along Kīlauea’s East Rift Zone or Southwest Rift Zone.
A recap of episode 42 can be found in this Status Report.
Significant changes in activity between Daily Updates are posted here: https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/hvo/observatory-messages
Summit Observations:
Vigorous precursory eruptions began from the north vent at 8:17 a.m. HST this morning and continue at this time. A 20-30 foot (5-10 meter) high dome fountain is feeding a narrow flow ribbon that extends about a third of the way across the floor of Halemaʻumaʻu crater. This eruptive activity followed a night of continuous strong glow from both the north and south vents overnight, as well as intermittent periods of spatter and flaming. This morning, the south vent remains quiet and emitting a steady gas plume. Continuous low level seismic tremor was observed as well as intermittent periods of tremor bursts over the last 24 hours. Since 9am, the tremor signal strength continues to increase accompanied by a slight deflation of tilt. There were four small earthquakes located in the summit region in the last 24 hours; all events were M1+ and smaller.
Continuous inflation has occurred over the last 24 hours. As of this morning, the UWD tiltmeter has recorded 30.9 microradians of inflationary tilt since the end of episode 42, with about 0.9 microradians of net inflation over the past 24 hours but has lost about 0.2 microradians since precursory eruption began.
Sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission rates from the summit have typically averaged 1000-1500 t/d during eruptive pauses. Webcams show the plume being impacted by light and variable winds this morning. If episode 43 fountaining begins under this conditions, tephra fall could spread to viewing areas north and east of the vents within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park as well as to surrounding roads and communities. Current high level winds above 20,000 feet are currently modeled to be from the northwest.
Rift Zone Observations:
Rates of seismicity and ground deformation remain very low in the East Rift Zone and Southwest Rift Zone. SO2 emissions from the East Rift Zone remain below the detection limit.
Analysis:
The initial rapid rebound of tilt and glow from both vents indicate that another fountaining episode is likely. The overall inflationary trend has been interrupted by periods of no inflation or slight deflation recorded across all four summit tiltmeters that may impact the onset of episode 43 fountaining. These changes in tilt rate are not predictable and create uncertainty in modeling the onset of episode 43 fountaining. The onset of precursory eruptions suggest episode 43 fountains may begin in the next few days. Models indicate the forecast window for the start of episode 43 fountaining remains between today, March 10, and March 14. The forecast window may change if inflation is interrupted by additional periods of deflation.
Kīlauea has been erupting episodically since December 23, 2024, primarily from two vents (north and south) in Halema‘uma‘u. Eruptive episodes, which generally last for less than 12 hours, are separated by pauses that can be as long as over two weeks.
HVO continues to closely monitor Kīlauea and is in contact with Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and the Hawai‘i County Civil Defense Agency about eruptive hazards.
Please see the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park website for visitor information: https://www.nps.gov/havo/index.htm
Recap of episode 41:
A recap of episode 42 can be found in this Status Report.
Resources:
The following links provide more information about the current eruption that began on December 23, 2024:
Hazards:
This episodic eruption is occurring within a closed area of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.
Other significant hazards exist around Kīlauea caldera from Halemaʻumaʻu crater wall instability, ground cracking, and rockfalls that can be enhanced by earthquakes. Close to the vents, the tephra material on the crater rim is prone to cracking, slumping, and small landslides that sometimes expose hot and molten material within. This underscores the extremely hazardous nature of Kīlauea's caldera rim surrounding Halemaʻumaʻu crater, an area that has been closed to the public since late 2007.
More Information:
The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory is one of five volcano observatories within the U.S. Geological Survey and is responsible for monitoring volcanoes and earthquakes in Hawaiʻi and American Samoa.
Subscribe to these messages: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/vns2/
Summary of volcanic hazards from eruptions: https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/hvo/hazards
Recent earthquakes in Hawaiʻi (map and list): https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/hvo
Explanation of Volcano Alert Levels and Aviation Color Codes: https://www.usgs.gov/programs/VHP/volcanic-alert-levels-characterize-conditions-us-volcanoes