Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports that the eruption continues in Halema‘uma‘u crater at Kīlauea’s summit.

HVO field crews observing the activity overnight noted that at approximately 2:40 a.m. HST this morning, activity at west vent in the wall of Halema‘uma‘u rejuvinated: the west vent has became more active than the northern vent. Since the start of the eruption on December 20 at 9:30 p.m. HST, the northern vent has been dominant and erupting more vigorously than the weaker western vent.

Over the past two days, the northern vent has slowly been drowned by the rising lava lake, and the attached photo (taken at about 5:15 a.m. HST this morning) shows that the west vent is now erupting more vigorously.

At 3:30 a.m. HST today, Dec. 26, HVO field crews measured the rising lava lake as 178 m (583 ft) deep.

HVO continues to report that there is no danger to surrounding communities, nor to people inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, as long as they exercise caution and stay within open areas.  However, there is a danger from the volcanic gases, and at close range, if the wind shifts, the volcanic fumes can be deadly.

For more on precautions if going into Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to see the plume and glow, click here.

Attached and below photos courtesy USGS/HVO, taken by H. Dietterich, both taken this morning around 5:15 a.m.