[WATCH] New Viral Video of Huge Explosion In Yellowstone

Videos of a massive explosion in Yellowstone National Park have been surfacing online. According to park officials, no injuries have been reported. The hydrothermal explosion does not reflect activity within Yellowstone's volcanic system, which remains at normal background levels of activity.

Yellowstone National Park Releases Statement About Hydrothermal Explosion

On Tuesday June 23 at approximately 10:00 a.m., a small hydrothermal explosion occurred in Yellowstone National Park in the Biscuit Basin thermal area. The area is roughly 2.1 mile northwest of Old Faithful. Several visitors captured video of the rare explosion, and park officials say there is no threat to the public. Biscuit Basin, including the parking lot and boardwalks, are temporary closed for visitor safety. The Grand Loop road remains open.

In the video below, visitors can be seen running in fear as the explosion occurs. The video includes language that may not be acceptable for the workplace.

Hydrothermal explosions occur when water suddenly flashes to steam underground, and they are relatively common in Yellowstone.  For example, Porkchop Geyser, in Norris Geyser Basin, experienced an explosion in 1989, and a small event in Norris Geyser Basin was recorded by monitoring equipment on April 15, 2024.  An explosion similar to that of today also occurred in Biscuit Basin on May 17, 2009.

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Hydrothermal explosions are not a sign of impending volcanic eruptions, and they are not caused by magma rising towards the surface. To learn more about hydrothermal explosions in Yellowstone National Park, click here. To read the full press release, click here.