April 20, 2025 — Crater Rim Drive covered with tephra

USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists accessed the caldera rim on April 20 by driving on Crater Rim Drive in the hazardous closed area of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. This area, which is generally downwind of the eruptive vents, has now been covered by 2 meters (yards) of tephra from the recent lava fountaining. The outgassing plume is often ground hugging, as it is here, producing limited visibility. Staff working in this hazardous closed area carry personal protective equipment at all times. USGS photo by M. Patrick.