Yellowstone National Park, July 23, 2024 – Yellowstone National Park officials have temporarily closed Biscuit Basin following a hydrothermal explosion near Sapphire Pool earlier today. The incident, which occurred at approximately 10:19 a.m. MST, led to the closure of the basin’s boardwalks and parking lot as a precautionary measure to ensure visitor safety.
The explosion, localized near Black Diamond Pool within the Biscuit Basin thermal area, caused damage to the boardwalk infrastructure. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported. Videos captured by park visitors documented the event, illustrating the sudden eruption caused by underground water flashing to steam.
Park geologists, in collaboration with the United States Geological Survey (USGS), are currently investigating the incident to assess the extent of damage and determine when it will be safe to reopen the area. The Grand Loop Road remains open to visitors unaffected by the closure.
Hydrothermal explosions, although uncommon, are a known phenomenon in Yellowstone National Park, where the presence of geothermal activity results in periodic steam eruptions. Similar events have been recorded in the past, including one in Biscuit Basin on May 17, 2009, and others in different areas of the park over the years.
According to the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory (YVO), today’s explosion does not indicate any change in Yellowstone’s volcanic system, which continues to operate at normal background levels. These incidents are unrelated to volcanic activity and are caused by the sudden release of steam underground.
Visitors and residents are reminded that such events, while dramatic, do not pose a threat of volcanic eruption and are part of the natural dynamic of Yellowstone’s geothermal features. The safety of park visitors remains a top priority, and updates regarding the reopening of Biscuit Basin will be provided as the investigation progresses.
For more information about hydrothermal explosions and ongoing updates, please visit the USGS Yellowstone Volcano Observatory website at USGS YVO.
About Yellowstone Volcano Observatory (YVO): YVO, one of the five USGS Volcano Observatories, monitors volcanic and earthquake activity in Yellowstone National Park to ensure public safety and advance scientific understanding of volcanic processes.
