May 12, 2016 No Forest Flow
Impending rain limited our flight this morning. But we still managed to record several picturesque lava flows, but almost none in the northern forest. Numerous small outbreaks throughout the flow field again demonstrated what the USGS describes as a leaky tube system. Lava is being delivered through the lava tubes to the northeast from 1.5 to 3.5 miles from the Pu’u ‘O’o vent, but again, less so to the northern forest. Several small burning patches of lava and downed trees were observed near the forest to the north, reducing even further the threat to communities to the north and east. More outbreaks of lava were noted this morning toward the middle of the flow field rather than near the north forest. One unique discovery… about two and a half miles from the vent… the beginnings of a brand new hornito atop a tumulus. We didn’t see it spit, but we detected lava in the crack below. We’ve never seen a hornito anywhere but on the flank much closer to the vent. Unfortunately, we were not able to access the Pu’u ‘O’o vent, or the lava lake on the western end. Nor could we visit the several skylights on the north flank that have revealed the steady supply of lava downslope. Leilani the Hula Girl and Lava Ducky were both on board, along with special guest, Glenn Brown, Bruce Omori and I joined Paradise Helicopters’ master pilot, Ryan Moeller. All activity remains about two miles away from the closest infrastructure, and is not threatening any communities at this time. Skies in east Hawaii were mostly cloudy today, with occasional rain showers.
Mahalo to Paradise Helicopters and Bruce Omori at Extreme Exposure