Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
As scientists await the start of Episode 51, a section of Kīlauea's north vent cone wall collapsed on July 11, 2026, sending debris into the vent within Halemaʻumaʻu crater.
The collapse occurred during the current pause in eruptive activity while magma continues to accumulate beneath the summit. Such collapses are common around active vents, where unstable walls are continually weakened by intense heat, gas emissions, and changes in the underlying magma system.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, Kīlauea remains at ADVISORY/YELLOW, but continued summit inflation indicates that the next lava-fountaining episode is likely between July 11 and July 13 (with some forecasts extending to July 15 as conditions evolve). Glow remains visible from both vents, indicating magma is still close to the surface.
This video captures one of the latest changes to the north vent as Kīlauea prepares for its next eruptive episode.
As scientists await the start of Episode 51, a section of Kīlauea's north vent cone wall collapsed on July 11, 2026, sending debris into the vent within Halemaʻumaʻu crater.
The collapse occurred during the current pause in eruptive activity while magma continues to accumulate beneath the summit. Such collapses are common around active vents, where unstable walls are continually weakened by intense heat, gas emissions, and changes in the underlying magma system.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, Kīlauea remains at ADVISORY/YELLOW, but continued summit inflation indicates that the next lava-fountaining episode is likely between July 11 and July 13 (with some forecasts extending to July 15 as conditions evolve). Glow remains visible from both vents, indicating magma is still close to the surface.
This video captures one of the latest changes to the north vent as Kīlauea prepares for its next eruptive episode.
