Yellowstone’s Biscuit Basin has exploded as a result of underground hydrothermal activity, which is “relatively common” according to geologists. The explosion, however, sent tourists running as rocks and debris rained down on the boardwalk.
“At around 10:00 AM MST on July 23, 2024, a small hydrothermal explosion occurred in Yellowstone National Park in the Biscuit Basin thermal area, about 2.1 miles northwest of Old Faithful,” said Yellowstone National Park in a release according to a report by Fox News.
Vlada March, a real estate agent from Palm Desert, California took the following video of the explosion:
“Numerous videos of the event were recorded by visitors. The boardwalk was damaged, but there were no reports of injury. The explosion appears to have originated near Black Diamond Pool.”
In their release, Yellowstone National Park explained that Tuesday’s explosion is “relatively common,” as hydrothermal explosions are the result of water becoming steam suddenly underground.
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The National Park assuaged fears of further explosions in the area, stating “Today’s explosion does not reflect activity within the volcanic system, which remains at normal background levels of activity.”
“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,” explained Yellowstone in their statement. “An explosion similar to that of today also occurred in Biscuit Basin on May 17, 2009.”
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It is unknown at this time when Yellowstone National Park will be able to reopen Biscuit Basin to visitors. Severe damage was done to the boardwalk.
“It was extremely scary,” said March. “Within seconds, rocks went flying and a black cloud formed in the air. We couldn’t see the sun for a few seconds.”
Biscuit Basin is located just north of the Old Faithful Geyser.
