A hydrothermal explosion has occurred near Sapphire Pool in Biscuit Basin in Yellowstone National Park, Montana. Biscuit Basin, including parking lot and boardwalks, was closed for safety
No injuries were reported, and park staff and USGS monitoring situation to determine when it is safe to reopen. An park update said:
- 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.