‘Today’s explosion does not reflect activity within volcanic system,’ according to official statement from Yellowstone National Park and USGS officials
EBS STAFF
Around 10 a.m. today, July 23, “a small hydrothermal explosion” occurred in the Biscuit Basin area of Yellowstone National Park, about two miles northwest of Old Faithful.
According to a press release from Yellowstone National Park and the United States Geological Survey, no injuries have been reported but the boardwalk is damaged and the Biscuit Basin area—including the parking lot and boardwalks—are temporarily closed. The Grand Loop road remains open, and park geologists are investigating the event.
The release added that various videos were captured by people in the area. One Facebook post captured the early plume of the explosion on video. Another post, shared by Yellowstone National Park on Instagram, shows damage to the boardwalk and lists known information.
The explosion appears to have originated near Black Diamond Pool. The press release emphasized that monitoring data shows no changes in the Yellowstone region, nor any activity within the park’s volcanic system, which remains at normal background activity levels.
“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,” the release stated.
The release provided more information about hydrothermal explosions.
“Hydrothermal explosions occur when water suddenly flashes to steam underground, and they are relatively common in Yellowstone,” the press release stated. “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.”
The release added that officials would provide more information when the investigation is complete.
