February 15, 2026 — Semi-molten clasts from the north vent fountain feed into lava flow at Kīlauea during episode 42

Photograph of the north vent fountain during episode 42, taken from the northwest rim of Halema‘uma‘u crater on February 15, 2026. Semi-molten clasts feed a small ‘a‘ā lava flow carrying lava north from the base of the north vent lava fountain within the caldera. Material feeding the ‘a‘ā lava flow was soon cut off as the falling clasts material was captured by the main pāhoehoe lava flow to the north-northeast. USGS photo by C. Cauley.