A hydrothermal explosion occurred in Biscuit Basin of Yellowstone National Park, launching steam and debris into the air on Tuesday. Fortunately, no one was injured in the blast, but due to the potential for more explosions in the area, Biscuit Basin will be closed for the remainder of the 2024 season. The explosion was caused by water suddenly transitioning to steam in the shallow hydrothermal system beneath Black Diamond Pool.
Visitors were seen running after the explosion, which resulted in a geyser reaching heights of hundreds of feet and rocks the size of grapefruit being found hundreds of feet away. A boardwalk was also destroyed in the blast. The US Geological Survey stated that given the recent changes in the hydrothermal plumbing system, small explosions of boiling water may continue to occur in the area over the coming days to months.
While hydrothermal explosions are relatively common in Yellowstone National Park, they usually occur in remote backcountry areas a few times a year. The Grand Loop Road and other thermal basins in the area remain open to visitors despite the closure of Biscuit Basin. Yellowstone is known for its hot springs and other thermal features that contribute to these types of natural occurrences.
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