Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming – U.S. Geological Survey volcanic experts used a single word to describe what they saw early Saturday morning at Black Diamond Pool in Yellowstone National Park: spectacular. A muddy eruption sent dark plumes shooting into the air, offering one of the clearest views yet of a type of hydrothermal activity that has become increasingly watched by scientists.
The eruption occurred just before 9:23 a.m. in Biscuit Basin, roughly halfway between Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic, two of the park’s most visited landmarks. The event and expert commentary were shared publicly by U.S. Geological Survey, with reporting also detailed by AP News.
Clear Footage Shows Mud Spraying High Into the Air
Video released by the USGS shows mud forcefully spraying up and outward from Black Diamond Pool under clear blue skies, with snow-covered ground surrounding the basin. Scientists noted that many recent eruptions at the site were heard but not seen, either because they happened at night or because ice and weather conditions obscured camera views.
Saturday’s eruption stood out because of its visibility and timing, allowing researchers to closely observe the event from start to finish.
A Site With a Recent History of Explosive Activity
Black Diamond Pool is no stranger to dramatic hydrothermal behavior. In July 2024, the same location experienced a powerful hydrothermal explosion that launched rocks and mud hundreds of feet into the air, damaging a nearby boardwalk. That incident led park officials to close the area to visitors due to safety concerns and the potential for further hazardous activity.
Since that explosion, scientists say “dirty eruptions” — muddy blasts reaching heights of up to 40 feet — have occurred sporadically, with no consistent schedule or warning signs.
New Monitoring Tools Help Scientists Study the Eruptions
Over the summer, researchers installed new monitoring equipment at the site, including a high-resolution camera and seismic and acoustic sensors. These tools work alongside temperature sensors maintained by the Yellowstone National Park Geology Program, allowing scientists to better detect, analyze, and understand the eruptions.
The Yellowstone Volcano Observatory webcam at Black Diamond Pool captured Saturday’s event in exceptional clarity.
“We got a nice clear view of one of these dirty eruptions under bright blue skies with the surroundings covered in snow,” USGS Volcanoes wrote on social media, adding that the eruption was a strong example of the kind of activity observed at the site over the past 19 months.
No Warning Signs and No Predictable Pattern
Experts say there is currently no identifiable pattern to the eruptions at Black Diamond Pool. The blasts occur without precursors, making them difficult to predict and reinforcing the need for continued monitoring and restricted public access in sensitive areas.
Scientists emphasize that while such eruptions can appear dramatic, they are part of Yellowstone’s complex and constantly changing hydrothermal system.
Yellowstone’s Unmatched Hydrothermal Landscape
Park officials note that Yellowstone National Park contains the largest concentration of hydrothermal features on Earth. More than 10,000 hot springs, geysers, mud pots, and fumaroles are scattered throughout the park, including over 500 active geysers.
Events like the eruption at Black Diamond Pool highlight both the beauty and volatility of Yellowstone’s geothermal environment, underscoring why scientists closely track even small changes beneath the surface.
