Yellowstone’s Biscuit Basin erupted on Tuesday morning, causing tourists to scramble for safety as captured on video. The footage, shot by Vlada March, quickly spread across social media with over 13,000 likes. The eruption, which occurred around 10:00 AM MST on July 23, 2024, happened in the Biscuit Basin thermal area, approximately 2.1 miles northwest of Old Faithful, according to a release from Yellowstone National Park.
In the video, one tourist can be heard yelling “Jesus!” as the geyser exploded, prompting others to urge everyone to move back. Fortunately, despite the chaos, there were no reports of injuries, although the boardwalk did suffer damage. The explosion seemed to have originated near Black Diamond Pool.
Following the incident, the parking lot and boardwalks at Biscuit Basin were closed temporarily as Yellowstone geologists investigate the eruption. The park officials explained that such hydrothermal explosions are relatively common, caused by water turning into steam suddenly underground. Similar events have occurred in the past in other areas of the park, such as Porkchop Geyser in 1989 and a smaller one in Norris Geyser Basin in April 2024.
Despite the unsettling nature of the eruption, Yellowstone assured the public that it does not indicate any abnormal volcanic activity in the area, which is currently at normal background levels. The park has not announced when Biscuit Basin will reopen to visitors as investigations continue.
In a related incident, an Idaho man was recently arrested for kicking a Yellowstone bison while intoxicated, highlighting the importance of respecting the park’s wildlife and natural features. Such actions can have serious consequences and endanger both visitors and the park’s ecosystem.
As visitors eagerly await the reopening of Biscuit Basin, it serves as a reminder of the unpredictable and powerful forces of nature at Yellowstone National Park. While these events can be alarming, they also emphasize the need for caution and respect when exploring the park’s geothermal wonders. Yellowstone remains a captivating and awe-inspiring destination, but visitors must always prioritize safety and environmental preservation during their visits.