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
Snowfall Returns for the Sierra Nevada Mountains This Week

Snowfall Returns for the Sierra Nevada Mountains This Week

California has not had significant precipitat

9 Feb 2026 2:45 AM
Cold Air Remains Across the Northeast

Cold Air Remains Across the Northeast

A trough of low pressure has allowed arctic a

9 Feb 2026 2:40 AM
Record Heat Across the Central U.S.

Record Heat Across the Central U.S.

As troughing sets in across the Pacific, high

9 Feb 2026 2:35 AM
Big Game Looks Dry

Big Game Looks Dry

The championship of the National Football Lea

8 Feb 2026 5:50 PM
Heavy Snow Lingers in New England Saturday

Heavy Snow Lingers in New England Saturday

Snow blew through much of the Northeastern Un

7 Feb 2026 8:00 PM
California Snow Pack Drops After Dry January

California Snow Pack Drops After Dry January

Following a surge of wet storm systems in Dec

7 Feb 2026 9:55 AM
Another Cold Night for Residents of the Southeast

Another Cold Night for Residents of the Southeast

Following a historic winter storm last weeken

6 Feb 2026 3:15 AM