Hydrothermal Explosion at Yellowstone National Park

news image
Top Stories
24 Jul 2024 3:00 PM

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.

All Weather News
More
Snow for the OH Valley, a Few Storms South

Snow for the OH Valley, a Few Storms South

Winter Weather Advisories drop off through th

4 Feb 2026 2:55 AM
Northeast: Freezing Temperatures & More Snow

Northeast: Freezing Temperatures & More Snow

New York City for the end of January, was bel

4 Feb 2026 2:55 AM
Feeling More Like Summer Out West

Feeling More Like Summer Out West

Record-high temperatures were shattered at th

4 Feb 2026 2:45 AM
Big Game Forecast!

Big Game Forecast!

The championship of the National Football Lea

4 Feb 2026 2:35 AM
Thousands of Customers Still Remain Without Power

Thousands of Customers Still Remain Without Power

While it has now been about a week since a ma

3 Feb 2026 5:40 PM
Historic Snow Leaves Slick Roads

Historic Snow Leaves Slick Roads

While the snow has ended, the slippery travel

3 Feb 2026 2:10 PM
Gulf-Effect Snow Possible This Weekend

Gulf-Effect Snow Possible This Weekend

You've been warned, iguanas. We've had glanci

1 Feb 2026 6:00 PM