BY RACHELLE SCHRUTE
A massive explosion near Old Faithful has temporarily closed parts of Yellowstone National Park. A visitor filmed the hydrothermal eruption, which sent tourists fleeing the boardwalk at Biscuit Basin.
Video: Vlada March
The National Park Service released the following information:
- On Tuesday, July 23, at about 10:19 a.m., a localized hydrothermal explosion occurred near Sapphire Pool in Biscuit Basin, located just north of Old Faithful.
- Biscuit Basin, including the parking lot and boardwalks, are temporarily closed for safety reasons. The Grand Loop Road remains open.
- No injuries were reported, and the extent of damage is unknown at this time.
- Park staff and staff from USGS will monitor conditions and reopen the area once deemed safe.
- 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.
- Learn more about Yellowstone’s geology at Geology — Yellowstone National Park U.S. National Park Service
This story first appeared on GearJunkie.
