YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, Wyoming – Yellowstone National Park’s Biscuit Basin is closed after a large hydrothermal explosion sent debris flying into the air near the Sapphire Pool. According to a press release from the National Park, the Grand Loop Road remains open, but Biscuit Basin, including the parking lot and boardwalks, is fully closed. No injuries have been reported from the explosion.
“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.” – Yellowstone National Park
According to the United States Geological Survey, a hydrothermal explosion occurs when fluids in shallow interconnected reservoirs are rapidly turned into steam due to sudden pressure drops. Because vapor molecules take up more space than liquid molecules, the transition can blow apart rocks and launch debris. In Yellowstone, these explosions can be hazardous, and have the potential to damage or destroy thermal features.
The extent of damage at Biscuit Basin is unknown at this time. Park staff, in addition to USGS staff, will monitor conditions in the area and reopen the basin when it’s deemed safe.
