HVO/USGS Volcanic Activity Notice

Volcano: Mauna Loa (VNUM #332020)

Current Volcano Alert Level: NORMAL
Previous Volcano Alert Level: ADVISORY

Current Aviation Color Code: GREEN
Previous Aviation Color Code: YELLOW

Issued: Thursday, March 16, 2023, 9:32 AM HST
Source: Hawaiian Volcano Observatory
Notice Number: 2023/H109
Location: N 19 deg 28 min W 155 deg 36 min
Elevation: 13681 ft (4170 m)
Area: Hawaii

Volcanic Activity Summary:

Mauna Loa has been quiet for the past three months since the eruption ended on December 13, 2022.   The number of earthquakes beneath Mauna Loa's summit has returned to background levels.  Inflation of Mauna Loa continues as magma replenishes the summit magma chamber.

Accordingly, the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) is lowering the Volcano Alert Level for ground-based hazards from ADVISORY to NORMAL and the Aviation Color Code from YELLOW to GREEN. 

In conjunction with this change, Mauna Loa updates will change from weekly to monthly, with the next monthly update on April 6, 2023.
 

For more information about the meaning of aviation color codes, see https://www.usgs.gov/programs/VHP/volcanic-alert-levels-characterize-conditions-us-volcanoes 

Recent Observations:
[Volcanic cloud height] None
[Other volcanic cloud information] None
[Lava flow/dome] N/A
[Ballistics] N/A
[Lava flow] N/A

Hazard Analysis:
[General hazards] Mauna Loa Hazards: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/observatories/hvo/hawaii_hazards.html and https://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2012/3104/
[Ash cloud] N/A
[Ashfall] N/A
[Lava flow/dome] N/A
[Mud flow] N/A
[Other hazards] N/A
[Volcanic gas] N/A
[Lava flow] N/A

Remarks:

HVO continues to closely monitor Mauna Loa for signs of renewed activity. Should volcanic activity change significantly a new Volcanic Activity Notice will be issued immediately. 
 
Residents and visitors should stay informed and follow County of Hawai‘i and Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park guidelines. 

Contacts:

askHVO@usgs.gov

Next Notice:

Mauna Loa monthly updates issued monthly on Thursdays beginning April 6, 2023. Should volcanic activity change significantly a new VAN will be issued. Regularly scheduled updates on the status of Mauna Loa will be posted on the HVO website at https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/mauna-loa/volcano-updates  

More Information:

• Mauna Loa activity summary also available by phone: (808) 967-8866
• Mauna Loa webcam images: https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/mauna-loa/webcams
• Mauna Loa Hazards: https://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2012/3104/
• Mauna Loa photos/video: https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/mauna-loa/photo-and-video-chronology-mauna-loa
• Mauna Loa maps: https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/mauna-loa/maps
• Mauna Loa FAQs: https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/mauna-loa/frequently-asked-questions-about-mauna-loa-volcano
• Recent Volcano Watch on Mauna Loa: https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/hvo/news/volcano-watch-mauna-loa-reawakens-0
• Map-based webpage for Mauna Loa: https://geonarrative.usgs.gov/maunaloa/       
• Additional Mauna Loa Resources: https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/mauna-loa/prepare-mauna-loa-resources

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