Hydrothermal Explosion at Yellowstone National Park

A hydrothermal explosion occurred Tuesday morning, July 23rd in Yellowstone National Park near Sapphire Pool in Biscuit Basin. The Sapphire Pool is located just north of Old Faithful. The boardwalk was damaged, but thankfully, there have been no reports of injuries. Biscuit Basin in Yellowstone National Park is temporarily closed due to the explosion. Photos from the National Park Service show debris and damage to the walkway.

The United States Geological Survey, USGS, states, "Hydrothermal explosions are violent and dramatic events resulting in the rapid ejection of boiling water, steam, mud, and rock fragments." They are relatively common in Yellowstone and more common than volcanic eruptions!

A similar incident occurred on April 15th, 2024 at the Norris Geyser Basin. According to NPS, "No other monitoring data show changes in the Yellowstone region. Today’s explosion does not reflect a change in the volcanic system, which remains at normal background levels of activity." Additional monitoring of activity and reopening potential will continue to be monitored.