Learning to Love the Unpredictable
When Steamboat Geyser erupts, it can rocket a column of scalding water 90-120 meters into the air - two to three times the average height of Old Faithful. Steam roars for twenty-four hours after. Odds are against your witnessing this drama, however, since Steamboat's major eruptions occur 4 days to 50 years apart.In Yellowstone's geyser basins, unpredictability is the pattern. Old Faithful's relatively predictable intervals are the exception. An earthquake could disrupt Old Faithful's timetable, or a shift in subterranean plumbing could allow Steamboat more frequent eruptions.Eruption IndicatorsThough order and symmetry in nature can be reassuring, true geyser gazers appreciate surprise and suspense. Watch the larger, upslope vent for massive, frequent bursts to heights of at least 5-10 meters, accompanied by heavy runoff - Steamboat's only known eruption indicators.When Steamboat Geyser has a major eruption, the deep pool of nearby Cistern Spring drains almost completely. Gradually, within a day or two after Steamboat's eruption, Cistern begin to refill.| HM Number | HM1NPT |
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| Tags | |
| Placed By | National Park Service |
| Marker Condition | No reports yet |
| Date Added | Monday, September 7th, 2015 at 9:02pm PDT -07:00 |
| UTM (WGS84 Datum) | 12T E 523487 N 4952270 |
|---|---|
| Decimal Degrees | 44.72343333, -110.70341667 |
| Degrees and Decimal Minutes | N 44° 43.406', W 110° 42.205' |
| Degrees, Minutes and Seconds | 44° 43' 24.36" N, 110° 42' 12.3" W |
| Driving Directions | Google Maps |
| Area Code(s) | 307 |
| Which side of the road? | Marker is on the right when traveling South |
| Closest Postal Address | At or near Unnamed Road, Yellowstone National Park WY 82190, US |
| Alternative Maps | Google Maps, MapQuest, Bing Maps, Yahoo Maps, MSR Maps, OpenCycleMap, MyTopo Maps, OpenStreetMap |
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