UPDATE: Kīlauea volcano is not erupting. Geophysical signals recorded by the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory indicate that a magmatic intrusion occurred beneath the summit of Kīlauea between approximately 11:00 a.m and 12:00 p.m. HST on March 11, 2023. As of 5:30 p.m. HST, seismicity has returned to background levels, ground deformation has stabilized, and no lava has been observed at the surface. Resumption of eruptive activity at Kīlauea summit no longer appears to be imminent, although it is possible that another intrusion or resumption may occur in the near future with little or no warning.
A shallow earthquake swarm was detected beneath the summit of Kīlauea Volcano between 10:30 and 11:00 a.m. HST on March 11, 2023. The swarm was followed by a Magnitude-3.4 earthquake located 4 km SW of Volcano, Hawaii, at a depth of approximately 1 km (0.6 miles) at 11:50 a.m HST. This earthquake was felt locally and triggered a rockfall near Uēaloha (Byron Ledge) in Hawai’I Volcanoes National Park. Seismicity diminished at approximately 12:00 p.m. HST and has since returned to background levels.
HVO tiltmeters have been recording an inflationary signal at Kīlauea summit since March 7, indicating that magma has been accumulating beneath the surface. Tilt excursions also coincided with this morning’s earthquake swarm. Summit tilt has stabilized since approximately 12:00 p.m. HST although slow inflation continues.
The pause in eruptive activity that began approximately five days ago continues and Kīlauea remains at Alert Level WATCH and Aviation Code ORANGE.
No unusual activity has been noted along the East Rift Zone or Southwest Rift Zone.
The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory continues to monitor Hawaiian volcanoes for any changes.
ORIGINAL POST: HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY INFORMATION STATEMENT for Saturday, March 11, at 11:26 a.m.:
A shallow earthquake swarm has been detected beneath the summit of Kīlauea Volcano, accompanied by significant surface tilt excursion. Resumption of eruptive activity at Kīlauea summit is likely imminent.
Current Volcano Alert Level: WATCH
Current Aviation Color Code: ORANGE
The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory continues to monitor Hawaiian volcanoes for any changes.
