December 2, 2022 — Mauna Loa Fissure 3 Lava Channel

Aerial view of the fissure 3 lava channel, erupting from Mauna Loa's Northeast Rift Zone on December 4, 2022. Channel velocities here, closer to the vent where the channels are narrow, were measured at 26-36 feet per second (8.2-11 meters per second) on December 5, 2022. However, farther downslope, the wide lava flow front is advancing slowly at about average rate of about 20 feet per hour (6 meters per hour) over the 24-hour period prior to December 5, 2022. 

The eruption area on Mauna Loa is under a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) up to 1500 feet above ground level, prohibiting access to all aircraft not involved in eruption-response operations. The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory—whose mission is to monitor active volcanoes in Hawaii, assess their hazards, issue warnings, and advance scientific understanding to reduce the impacts of volcanic eruptions—is authorized to fly both manned and unmanned aircraft within the TFR. No unauthorized aircraft may enter this airspace. Additionally, part of the eruption area is within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park; launching, landing, or operating an unmanned aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is prohibited under 36 CFR Closures & Public Use.