Yellowstone’s Steamboat Geyser Erupts for First Time in Four Years

Steamboat Geyser in Yellowstone’s Norris Geyser Basin has erupted for the first time since September 2014.

Steamboat Geyser is the tallest active geyser in the world and a holy grail for geyser gazers and scientists studying Yellowstone’s hydrothermal activity.

According to a Yellowstone press release, the eruption occurred the evening of Thursday, March 15, 2018. Park staff witnessed the eruption. Park geologists subsequently compared the firsthand reports to what was picked up on U.S. Geological Survey sensors; they believe last night’s event may the start of several minor eruptions for Steamboat Geyser.

Currently, the USGS sensors are down. Park geologists are troubleshooting the matter and may need to replace sensors.

Steamboat Geyser last erupted on September 3, 2014, after posting activity in 2013. Although, as mentioned, Steamboat is the tallest active geyser in the world, its eruption cycle is irregular, with years sometimes passing between eruptions—as in this instance.

Currently, the road to Norris Geyser Basin is closed for the season so crews can perform spring plowing ahead of the summer season.