World's Largest Active Geyser Gets Active Again
Yellowstone National Park is home to Steamboat Geyser, the world's largest active geyser. And for the first time in almost nine years, Steamboat erupted with a large water and vapor plume, according to park officials. Two visitors heard a loud rumbling noise, but fled in their car, fearing an earthquake. Park employees later arrived to find the entire area shrouded in heavy mist, while the roaring geyser was emitting a steam plume estimated to be more than 150 yards tall.
The eruptions of the "Steamboat Geyser" are completely unpredictable, and the last recorded outburst took place on October 21, 1991. Because of this (pauses in activity have been measured to last up to 50 years), Steamboat gets far less press than its nearby neighbor, "Old Faithful," which can be relied upon by the throngs of Winnebago driving visitors who clog the arteries to this scenic wonderland every summer.
[05/14/2000]Yellowstone National Park
- Address:
- US 89/Grand Loop Rd, Yellowstone National Park, WY
- Directions:
- In the northwest quarter of the park, many miles from Old Faithful. In Norris Geyser Basin, which is on US 89/Grand Loop Rd at the intersection of Norris Canyon Rd. Intersection known in Park as Norris Junction.
- Phone:
- 307-344-7381
- Admission:
- $35 per vehicle
