News Release

Biscuit Basin in Yellowstone National Park temporarily closed due to hydrothermal explosion

Park staff assess the damage to Biscuit Basin boardwalks after hydrothermal explosion

News Release Date: July 23, 2024

Contact: Morgan Warthin, 307-344-2015

• 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. 
• This is an evolving incident, and additional details will be shared as more facts are known. 
• Learn more about geology in Yellowstone. 
• View a joint statement between Yellowstone National Park and U.S. Geological Survey about the hydrothermal explosion: USGS Volcano Notice - DOI-USGS-YVO-2024-07-23T19:18:45+00:00