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
Southeast Flood Risk Lingers Near Stalled Front

Southeast Flood Risk Lingers Near Stalled Front

A stalled boundary over the Carolinas will ke

24 Jul 2026 12:35 PM
Severe Chances Return for the Midwest

Severe Chances Return for the Midwest

The upcoming stretch of hot temperatures will

24 Jul 2026 12:25 PM
Tropics: Fausto Heads to Hawaii, Bertha Breaks Apart

Tropics: Fausto Heads to Hawaii, Bertha Breaks Apart

BerthaBertha has dissipated after moving inla

24 Jul 2026 11:50 AM
Hot & Smoky w/ a Chance of Lightning

Hot & Smoky w/ a Chance of Lightning

Conditions have been really dry out west. We'

24 Jul 2026 11:15 AM
Very Hot Temperatures For the Western and Central United States

Very Hot Temperatures For the Western and Central United States

Are you over the summer heat yet? Well, more

24 Jul 2026 9:20 AM
Another Round of Storms Targets the Northeast

Another Round of Storms Targets the Northeast

Tuesday brought severe weather again across p

23 Jul 2026 1:15 AM
Another Round of Severe Weather for the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes

Another Round of Severe Weather for the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes

The upper-level low train continues to keep t

21 Jul 2026 1:45 AM