‘Hydrothermal explosion’ reported in Yellowstone’s Biscuit Basin
(Missoula Current) The United States Geological Survey on Tuesday confirmed that a small hydrothermal explosion occurred in the Biscuit Basin thermal area of Yellowstone National Park.
The agency said the event took place at around 10 am about two miles from Old Faithful. The attraction's boardwalk was damaged but there were no reports of injuries.
The explosion occurred near Black Diamond Pool.
Biscuit Basin, including the parking lot and boardwalks, are temporary closed for visitor safety. The Grand Loop road remains open. Yellowstone National Park geologists are investigating the event.
Hydrothermal explosions occur when water suddenly flashes to steam underground, and they are relatively common in Yellowstone. For example, Porkchop Geyser, in Norris Geyser Basin, experienced an explosion in 1989, and a small event in Norris Geyser Basin was recorded by monitoring equipment on April 15, 2024. An explosion similar to that of today also occurred in Biscuit Basin on May 17, 2009.
More information about hydrothermal explosions is available at https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/yvo/news/hydrothermal-explosions-yellowstone-national-park.
Monitoring data show no changes in the Yellowstone region. Today’s explosion does not reflect activity within volcanic system, which remains at normal background levels of activity. Hydrothermal explosions like that of today are not a sign of impending volcanic eruptions, and they are not caused by magma rising towards the surface.
USGS said more information will be released as it becomes available.