Yellowstone’s Biscuit Basin Closed After Historic Explosion Rains Debris on Panicked Visitors
Chaos Erupts in Yellowstone
The morning of July 23rd, 2024, on an otherwise ordinary day in Yellowstone National Park, took a dramatic turn as a surprise hydrothermal explosion erupted at Biscuit Basin. Just before 10 AM, the blast spewed steam and debris hundreds of feet into the air, transforming a peaceful visit into a scene of chaos.
Nearby visitors, stunned by the sudden and violent event, scrambled for cover as grapefruit-sized rocks and mud rained down, damaging the boardwalk and changing the landscape forever. Luckily, no injuries were reported.
The Incident: What Happened?
At approximately 10:19 AM, NPS officials concluded that “water suddenly transitioning to steam in the shallow hydrothermal system beneath Black Diamond Pool” caused pent-up pressure to transform into a powerful explosion.
This burst of debris is unrelated to volcanic activity, and there were no detectable precursor signs to this unexpected event.
Scattered rocks weighed up to hundreds of pounds and were thrown tens to hundreds of feet from its originating spot. The event led to Biscuit Basin’s immediate blockade and closure after the remaining visitors were evacuated.
No injuries were reported despite dozens of visitors being on the boardwalk near the blast site.
Eyewitness Accounts: A Day to Remember
Visitors present at the time of the explosion recounted harrowing experiences. Vlada (@vladamarch_realestate) described the moment: “My mom got some of the debris, but everyone is safe. Unbelievable and grateful to be alive.”
Below, she captured the moment the eruption happened:
And the minutes in the immediate aftermath as remaining visitors stepped over the destroyed boardwalk to return to the parking lot.
What About Now?
The main actors in this drama, Black Diamond Pool and Black Opal Pool, underwent some cosmetic changes. Post-explosion, they seem murkier, and their surrounding ground is more unstable. The next day, July 24th, both the pools were found overflowing, contributing to the Firehole River’s flow.
Although a volcanic eruption is not expected to occur, small explosions of boiling water could still light up your visit to Biscuit Basin in the coming days or months.
Meanwhile, departments like USGS and NPS geologists will monitor the situation and take samples to understand any changes in this geothermal park.
However, the boardwalk is in disrepair, and the National Park Service has declared the area will be closed for the rest of the summer for safety reasons. All other areas of Yellowstone and the Grand Loop are unaffected.
The Science Behind the Explosion
Experts explain that these events occur when water trapped in the earth’s crust is rapidly heated by geothermal activity, transitioning to steam and causing an explosive release of pressure.
Hydrothermal explosions are quite common in Yellowstone, making an appearance once or twice a year. However, the July 23rd explosion at Biscuit Basin stands out due to its intensity and proximity to popular tourist areas.
Some Past Notable Hydrothermal Explosions (NPS Records):
- 1989 at Porkchop Geyser in Norris Geyser Basin
- April 15th, 2024, from the Porcelain Terrace Area of Norris Geyser Basin
- 2009 Wall Pool, in Biscuit Basin
- 1880s at Excelsior Geyser, in Midway Geyser Basin
What’s Next for Biscuit Basin?
Reopening Biscuit Basin will involve extensive repairs to the damaged boardwalks and a thorough assessment of the area’s safety.
Despite the potential hazards, Yellowstone National Park remains a popular destination and one of the most visited parks in the nation. This event is an eye-opening moment to be reminded of the safety guidelines and to stay on designated paths to avoid disturbing the ever-changing ecosystem of the park.
Catherine, a seasoned travel writer, has lived in 4 different states and explored 36 states and 28 national parks. After spending two years embracing van life, she's now dedicated to sharing her vast knowledge of day trips across America. Catherine's other works has been referenced in major publications like MSN, Self, and TripSavvy.
| MY FAVORITE TRAVEL RESOURCES |
✈️ Find amazing guided tours and experiences with Viator to maximize your time! 🏘️ Plan ahead and secure your accommodation with Booking.com in advance. 🧾 Rent a car with Discovercars in advance and get the best prices for your day trip adventures. |