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Circular pool of boiling water in a barren area strewn with rocks with a forested ridge in the distance under blue sky.
Pool of boiling water that formed via collapse a few days after the June 13, 2026, hydrothermal explosion at Biscuit Basin, Yellowstone National Park
Pool of boiling water that formed via collapse a few days after the June 13, 2026, hydrothermal explosion at Biscuit Basin, Yellowstone National Park
Pool of boiling water that formed via collapse a few days after the June 13, 2026, hydrothermal explosion at Biscuit Basin, Yellowstone National Park

Pool of boiling water that formed a few days after the June 13, 2026, hydrothermal explosion at Biscuit Basin, Yellowstone National Park, and that is located near the middle vent group of features that formed during the explosion.  The pool is about 6.5 × 5.3 meters (21 × 17 feet) in size and formed via collapse based on the lack of surrounding ejecta.

Aerial view with a muddy pool at the bottom and barren ground in the middle with blue polygons showing new vent locations
Locations of new features associated with June 13, 2026, small hydrothermal explosion at Biscuit Basin, Yellowstone National Park
Locations of new features associated with June 13, 2026, small hydrothermal explosion at Biscuit Basin, Yellowstone National Park
Locations of new features associated with June 13, 2026, small hydrothermal explosion at Biscuit Basin, Yellowstone National Park

Aerial view of the Black Diamond Pool area of Biscuit Basin, Yellowstone National Park, showing the locations of northern, middle, and southern vent groups that formed as a result of a small hydrothermal explosion on June 13, 2026.  The "new pool' developed later, between June 14 and 16.

Barren, steaming ground with a water-filled crack trending away from the photographer
Northern-most water-filled fracture that formed on June 13, 2026, near Black Diamond Pool, Biscuit Basin, Yellowstone National Park
Northern-most water-filled fracture that formed on June 13, 2026, near Black Diamond Pool, Biscuit Basin, Yellowstone National Park
Northern-most water-filled fracture that formed on June 13, 2026, near Black Diamond Pool, Biscuit Basin, Yellowstone National Park

Looking south, toward Black Diamond Pool (steaming blue area in the left middle ground) along a fissure that formed during a small hydrothermal explosion on June 13, 2026, in Biscuit Basin, Yellowstone National Park.  The fissure is about 18.5 meters (61 feet) long and filled with near-boiling water.

River with milky blue-green color mixing with normal dark blue, and some trees along the grassy banks under partly cloudy sky
Firehole River from Midway Geyser bridge on the morning of June 13, 2026
Firehole River from Midway Geyser bridge on the morning of June 13, 2026
Firehole River from Midway Geyser bridge on the morning of June 13, 2026

Looking downstream along the Firehole River, Yellowstone National Park, from the Midway Geyser bridge on the morning of June 13, 2026.  The milky colors are due to suspended sediment that flowed into the river as a result of a small hydrothermal explosion at Biscuit Basin, which is located a straight-line distance of about 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) upstream.

Looking downstream along the Firehole River, Yellowstone National Park, from the Midway Geyser bridge on the morning of June 13, 2026.  The milky colors are due to suspended sediment that flowed into the river as a result of a small hydrothermal explosion at Biscuit Basin, which is located a straight-line distance of about 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) upstream.

steaming blue pool in low-light dawn conditions with an explosive steam plume in the background
Screen capture showing onset of a small hydrothermal explosion at Biscuit Basin, Yellowstone National Park, on June 13, 2026
Screen capture showing onset of a small hydrothermal explosion at Biscuit Basin, Yellowstone National Park, on June 13, 2026
Screen capture showing onset of a small hydrothermal explosion at Biscuit Basin, Yellowstone National Park, on June 13, 2026

Screen capture showing the view from the Biscuit Basin research and monitoring camera at 05:09:54 a.m. MDT on June 13, 2026.  Black Diamond Pool is in the foreground, and a steam plume in the upper right marks the occurrence of a small hydrothermal explosion behind (to the north of) the pool.

8 photos of gray-colored rock samples or outcrops containing light to dark particles
Hand sample and outcrop photos of Sour Creek dome ash flow (ignimbrite) packages
Hand sample and outcrop photos of Sour Creek dome ash flow (ignimbrite) packages
Hand sample and outcrop photos of Sour Creek dome ash flow (ignimbrite) packages

Hand sample and outcrop photos of Sour Creek dome ash flow (ignimbrite) packages. (A) Package 1 as clasts (see arrow) within lithic breccia in Bog Creek (Wilson et al., 2018). (B) Package 2 with scoria indicated by arrows. (C) Package 3 with increased crystal sizes to all other packages found within dark matrix.

Hand sample and outcrop photos of Sour Creek dome ash flow (ignimbrite) packages. (A) Package 1 as clasts (see arrow) within lithic breccia in Bog Creek (Wilson et al., 2018). (B) Package 2 with scoria indicated by arrows. (C) Package 3 with increased crystal sizes to all other packages found within dark matrix.

Videos

Man in blue shirt holding hands up with a blue pool and spouting geyser in the background Man in blue shirt holding hands up with a blue pool and spouting geyser in the background
Another hydrothermal explosion at Biscuit Basin (Yellowstone Monthly Update - June 2026)
Another hydrothermal explosion at Biscuit Basin (Yellowstone Monthly Update - June 2026)

On June 13, 2026, Yellowstone National Park’s newest geophysical monitoring sites captured a small hydrothermal explosion in Biscuit Basin! That story is the subject of this month’s video update.

blue pool in a barren area with a treed ridge in the background under blue sky and a small steam vent in the middle ground blue pool in a barren area with a treed ridge in the background under blue sky and a small steam vent in the middle ground
Water spouting on June 18, 2026, from a new thermal pool that formed shortly after a small hydrothermal explosion at Biscuit Basin, Yellowstone National Park, on June 13, 2026
Water spouting on June 18, 2026, from a new thermal pool that formed shortly after a small hydrothermal explosion at Biscuit Basin, Yellowstone National Park, on June 13, 2026

This video is from the Biscuit Basin camera, which is located on the boardwalk adjacent to Black Diamond Pool (the blue-water feature in the foreground) and looking to the north.  Black Diamond Pool was the site of a hydrothermal explosion on July 23, 2024, and the pool has erupted numerous times since that event.

steaming blue pool in low-light dawn conditions with an explosive steam plume in the background steaming blue pool in low-light dawn conditions with an explosive steam plume in the background
Video of small hydrothermal explosion at Biscuit Basin on June 13, 2026
Video of small hydrothermal explosion at Biscuit Basin on June 13, 2026

Video from a research and monitoring camera located at Biscuit Basin, Yellowstone National Park, recorded between 05:09:45 and 05:10:15 a.m. MDT on June 13, 2026.  Black Diamond Pool, site of a hydrothermal explosion on July 23, 2024, is steaming in the foreground.  At about 05:09:50 a.m.

Video from a research and monitoring camera located at Biscuit Basin, Yellowstone National Park, recorded between 05:09:45 and 05:10:15 a.m. MDT on June 13, 2026.  Black Diamond Pool, site of a hydrothermal explosion on July 23, 2024, is steaming in the foreground.  At about 05:09:50 a.m.

Smiling man in blue shirt pointing at rainbow-colored hot spring with text "Top Visitor Questions" Smiling man in blue shirt pointing at rainbow-colored hot spring with text "Top Visitor Questions"
Top visitor questions about Yellowstone's thermal areas (Yellowstone Monthly Update - June 2026)
Top visitor questions about Yellowstone's thermal areas (Yellowstone Monthly Update - June 2026)

Summer is here, and millions of people will be visiting Yellowstone National Park. People with questions. What is this scat I’m seeing? How does a geyser erupt? What makes Yellowstone so special?

Where’s the bathroom?

Main pointing to a barren mountainside with steam vents Main pointing to a barren mountainside with steam vents
Roaring Mountain (Yellowstone Monthly Update - May 2026)
Roaring Mountain (Yellowstone Monthly Update - May 2026)

Did you hear that???  Well, Roaring Mountain isn’t quite as loud as it used to be, but it’s still one of the hottest thermal areas in all of Yellowstone National Park!

Lone Star Geyser (Yellowstone Monthly Update - April 2026)

What do Yellowstone National Park and your father's brother's nephew's cousin's former roommate have in common?  LONE STAR!!!!!

Lone Star is not just an iconic movie hero of the 1980s (and also next year!). It’s an iconic Yellowstone geyser as well!

What do Yellowstone National Park and your father's brother's nephew's cousin's former roommate have in common?  LONE STAR!!!!!

Lone Star is not just an iconic movie hero of the 1980s (and also next year!). It’s an iconic Yellowstone geyser as well!

Audio

Sounds of Yellowstone, Steamboat Geyser
Thumbnail for Steamboat Geyser in the Sounds of Yellowstone podcast
Thumbnail for Steamboat Geyser in the Sounds of Yellowstone podcast
Steamboat Geyser — Sounds of Yellowstone (ASMR, Sleep, Concentration)
Steamboat Geyser — Sounds of Yellowstone (ASMR, Sleep, Concentration)
Sounds of Yellowstone, Steamboat Geyser
Thumbnail for Steamboat Geyser in the Sounds of Yellowstone podcast
Thumbnail for Steamboat Geyser in the Sounds of Yellowstone podcast
Steamboat Geyser — Sounds of Yellowstone (ASMR, Sleep, Concentration)

Need time to concentrate or relax? Then listen to the gurgling and bubbly sounds of Steamboat Geyser in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. "Steamboat Geyser is the world’s tallest active geyser. It showers watchers and drenches the walkway. Days, months, or years pass between the major eruptions of Steamboat Geyser.

Need time to concentrate or relax? Then listen to the gurgling and bubbly sounds of Steamboat Geyser in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. "Steamboat Geyser is the world’s tallest active geyser. It showers watchers and drenches the walkway. Days, months, or years pass between the major eruptions of Steamboat Geyser.

East Chinaman Spring, Sounds of Yellowstone
Artwork for East Chinaman Spring from Sounds of Yellowstone
Artwork for East Chinaman Spring from Sounds of Yellowstone
East Chinaman Spring — Sounds of Yellowstone (ASMR, Sleep, Concentration)
East Chinaman Spring — Sounds of Yellowstone (ASMR, Sleep, Concentration)
East Chinaman Spring, Sounds of Yellowstone
Artwork for East Chinaman Spring from Sounds of Yellowstone
Artwork for East Chinaman Spring from Sounds of Yellowstone
East Chinaman Spring — Sounds of Yellowstone (ASMR, Sleep, Concentration)

Need time to concentrate or relax? Then listen to the natural sounds of East Chinaman Spring in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. East Chinaman Spring is located in the Upper Geyser Basin within Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming.

Need time to concentrate or relax? Then listen to the natural sounds of East Chinaman Spring in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. East Chinaman Spring is located in the Upper Geyser Basin within Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming.

Frying Pan Springs, Sounds of Yellowstone
Artwork for Frying Pan Springs from Sounds of Yellowstone
Artwork for Frying Pan Springs from Sounds of Yellowstone
Frying Pan Spring — Sounds of Yellowstone (ASMR, Sleep, Concentration)
Frying Pan Spring — Sounds of Yellowstone (ASMR, Sleep, Concentration)
Frying Pan Springs, Sounds of Yellowstone
Artwork for Frying Pan Springs from Sounds of Yellowstone
Artwork for Frying Pan Springs from Sounds of Yellowstone
Frying Pan Spring — Sounds of Yellowstone (ASMR, Sleep, Concentration)

Need time to concentrate or relax? Then listen to the natural sounds of Frying Pan Spring in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. Frying Pan Spring is a hot spring that sounds like bacon on the frying pan and is located in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. Who doesn't love bacon?!

Need time to concentrate or relax? Then listen to the natural sounds of Frying Pan Spring in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. Frying Pan Spring is a hot spring that sounds like bacon on the frying pan and is located in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. Who doesn't love bacon?!

Kepler Cascades, Sounds of Yellowstone
Artwork for Kepler Cascades audio for Sounds of Yellowstone
Artwork for Kepler Cascades audio for Sounds of Yellowstone
Kepler Cascades — Sounds of Yellowstone (ASMR, Sleep, Concentration)
Kepler Cascades — Sounds of Yellowstone (ASMR, Sleep, Concentration)
Kepler Cascades, Sounds of Yellowstone
Artwork for Kepler Cascades audio for Sounds of Yellowstone
Artwork for Kepler Cascades audio for Sounds of Yellowstone
Kepler Cascades — Sounds of Yellowstone (ASMR, Sleep, Concentration)

Need time to concentrate or relax? Then listen to the natural sounds of Kepler Cascades in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. Kepler Cascades is located just a couple miles away from Old Faithful within Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. 

Need time to concentrate or relax? Then listen to the natural sounds of Kepler Cascades in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. Kepler Cascades is located just a couple miles away from Old Faithful within Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. 

Blue Mud Steam Vent, Sounds of Yellowstone
Blue Mud Steam Vent artwork for Sounds of Yellowstone
Blue Mud Steam Vent artwork for Sounds of Yellowstone
Blue Mud Steam Vent — Sounds of Yellowstone (ASMR, Sleep, Concentration)
Blue Mud Steam Vent — Sounds of Yellowstone (ASMR, Sleep, Concentration)
Blue Mud Steam Vent, Sounds of Yellowstone
Blue Mud Steam Vent artwork for Sounds of Yellowstone
Blue Mud Steam Vent artwork for Sounds of Yellowstone
Blue Mud Steam Vent — Sounds of Yellowstone (ASMR, Sleep, Concentration)

Need time to concentrate or relax? Then listen to the natural sounds of Blue Mud Steam Vent in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. Blue Mud Steam Vent is found within the Norris Geyser Basin in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming.

Need time to concentrate or relax? Then listen to the natural sounds of Blue Mud Steam Vent in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. Blue Mud Steam Vent is found within the Norris Geyser Basin in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming.

Rustic Falls, Sounds of Yellowstone
Artwork for Rustic Falls from Sounds of Yellowstone
Artwork for Rustic Falls from Sounds of Yellowstone
Rustic Falls — Sounds of Yellowstone (ASMR, Sleep, Concentration)
Rustic Falls — Sounds of Yellowstone (ASMR, Sleep, Concentration)
Rustic Falls, Sounds of Yellowstone
Artwork for Rustic Falls from Sounds of Yellowstone
Artwork for Rustic Falls from Sounds of Yellowstone
Rustic Falls — Sounds of Yellowstone (ASMR, Sleep, Concentration)

Need time to concentrate or relax? Then listen to the natural sounds of Rustic Falls in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. Rustic Falls is a few miles south of Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming.

If you're looking for the video, check out Rustic Falls on the USGS YouTube channel.

Need time to concentrate or relax? Then listen to the natural sounds of Rustic Falls in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. Rustic Falls is a few miles south of Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming.

If you're looking for the video, check out Rustic Falls on the USGS YouTube channel.

Webcams

Looking at hot spring with high cliffs in the background
Biscuit Basin webcam
Biscuit Basin webcam
Biscuit Basin webcam

The camera view is north-northwest from the Biscuit Basin boardwalk looking at Black Diamond Pool, which is in the foreground (the tilted viewing angle is due to the slope of the boardwalk).

The camera view is north-northwest from the Biscuit Basin boardwalk looking at Black Diamond Pool, which is in the foreground (the tilted viewing angle is due to the slope of the boardwalk).

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