Yellowstone's Ground Gurgles: New Pool Forms After Blast

A hydrothermal explosion recently struck Yellowstone National Park's Biscuit Basin, leading to the closure of the area. The incident, which occurred shortly after 5 a.m. on June 13, 2026, near the Black Diamond Pool, resulted in no reported injuries. Scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey observed unusual runoff into the Firehole River and later confirmed the emergence of superheated water from newly formed vents north of the explosion site.

This event led to the formation of a new boiling pool, characterized by intermittent spouts reaching 20 to 30 feet high by June 18, 2026. The blast was caused by rising pressure forcing water to flash into steam. The Biscuit Basin, a popular thermal area near Old Faithful, remains closed to the public as a safety precaution.

Scientists are actively monitoring the shifting geothermal system by deploying temporary seismic stations to collect data. This ongoing surveillance aims to better understand the dynamic nature of Yellowstone's underground plumbing. The park service reminds visitors to always respect closures and stay on marked trails in thermal areas to ensure safety.