(Yellowstone National Park) – A localized hydrothermal explosion occurred near Sapphire Pool in Biscuit Basin, located just north of Old Faithful, today, July 23, at about 10:19 a.m., according to a news release from Yellowstone National Park.
The release states that Biscuit Basin, including the parking lot and boardwalks, are temporarily closed for safety reasons, while the Grand Loop Road remains open.
No injuries were reported and the extent of damage is unknown at this time.
The WYDOT District 5 Facebook page shared video of the blast and subsequent debris aftermath, credited to Vlada March’s Facebook page.
“Park staff and staff from USGS will monitor conditions and reopen the area once deemed safe,” the release concludes. “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. This is an evolving incident, and additional details will be shared as more facts are known.”
The United States Geological Survey Facebook page also shared the following information on hydrothermal explosions, as well as details on any concerns about subsequent volcanic activity.
“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 here.
“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.“