A Hydrothermal Explosion Has Shut Down Some Parts of Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park, renowned for its majestic geothermal features , recently experienced a rare and powerful event—a hydrothermal explosion near Sapphire Pool in the Biscuit Basin thermal area in northwest Wyoming, which is about two miles northwest of Old Faithful. On July 23, 2024 at around 10 a.m. local time, there was an eruption of scalding water, steam, and debris that left onlookers running—but thankfully, there were no injuries reported.

Hydrothermal explosions in Yellowstone occur when superheated water trapped underground rapidly vaporizes, generating substantial pressure until it breaches the Earth’s surface. These explosions can cause significant changes in the landscape, leaving behind crater-like depressions and altering the immediate surroundings.

Courtesy of National Park Service

Following the Biscuit Basin explosion, park rangers and scientists are conducting assessments to determine the extent of damage to the local ecosystem and infrastructure. Initial reports indicate that the boardwalk was damaged and will need to be repaired. The basin, its boardwalks, and parking lot are temporarily closed while park officials investigate. The Grand Loop Road is still open. And the National Park Service has reported that the explosion does not reflect a change in the volcanic system, it is still at normal background levels of activity.

According to the Associated Press , similar blasts have happened in Biscuit Bain in 2009, 1991, and 1959 (after the magnitude 7.2 Hebgen Lake earthquake about 40 miles away). The USGS says that large explosions occur on average every 700 years.

The NPS says this is an evolving incident as officials conduct their investigations—to stay up-to-date with findings, you can visit nps.gov .

This story was produced by Sunset staff in conjunction with generative AI.