West Yellowstone, Montana —Tourists enjoying Yellowstone National Park were forced to run for cover when the was a massive geyser explosion.
Just before 10:30a.m. Tuesday, a localized hydrothermal explosion occurred near Sapphire Pool in Biscuit Basin, located just north of Old Faithful, according to the National Park Service.
No injuries were reported and the extent of damage is unknown at this time.
Biscuit Basin including the parking lot and boardwalks, are temporarily closed for safety reasons. The Grand Loop Road remains open. Park staff and staff from USGS will monitor conditions and reopen the area once deemed safe.
No other monitoring data show changes in the Yellowstone region. Tthe explosion does not reflect a change in the volcanic system, which remains at normal background levels of activity. The park service indicated this is an evolving incident, and additional details will be shared as more facts are known.