Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientist monitor Kilauea summit eruption

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists continue to make observations and measurements of the ongoing Kīlauea summit eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater. At about 2:30 p.m. HST on December 26, geologists measured the lava lake depth at approximately 176 m (577 ft). The peak depth was measured at approximately 179 m (587 ft) yesterday, December 25, at around 9:10 p.m. HST. These measurements are consistent with field observations that the lava lake appears to be slowly draining at the northern fissure site. USGS photo taken by M. Patrick.