(Updated 4:03 pm MDT, July 23, 2024)
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed a small hydrothermal eruption in the Biscuit Basin Thermal Area of Yellowstone National Park (YNP) on Tuesday morning, July 23, 2024.
The USGS stated in a Joint publication with YNP officials The explosion occurred about 10 a.m. Tuesday about 2.1 miles (3.5 km) northwest of Old Faithful. The eruption appears to have originated near Black Diamond Pool, and YNP geologists are investigating.
Several social media videos were recorded by onlookers showing people in close proximity to the blast. Officials say there is damage to the boardwalk, but no injuries at this time.
WATCH: Biscuit Basin eruption recorded by visitor in Yellowstone National Park
Spectator footage of a “miniature hydrothermal vent” in Yellowstone National Park
YNP says the Biscuit Basin, parking lot and signage are closed until further notice for safety reasons. The full extent of the damage is not yet known, according to Separate YNP press release.
YNP and USGS staff will monitor conditions and reopen the area when deemed safe. Grand Loop Road remains open.
The joint USGS/YNP publication includes the following information:
Hydrothermal vents occur when water suddenly flashes to steam underground, and are relatively common in Yellowstone. For example, Porkchop Geyser in the Norris Geyser Basin experienced an eruption in 1989, and a smaller event in the Norris Geyser Basin was recorded by monitoring equipment on April 15, 2024. An eruption similar to today’s occurred in Biscuit Basin in May. 17, 2009.
More information on hydrothermal vents is available https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/yvo/news/hydrothermal-explosions-yellowstone-national-park.
The joint release said monitoring data in the Yellowstone area showed no changes and that the Martian eruption did not reflect activity within the volcanic system, which is said to be normal background activity.
Hydrothermal vents such as Biscuit Basin are not a sign of impending volcanic eruptions and are not caused by magma rising toward the surface, the release said.
See also: Effects of Biscuit Basin eruption seen in National Park Service photos
National Park Service photos show the effects of the Biscuit Basin eruption
The USGS said more information will be released as it becomes available.
We will update you as we get more details.
