Steamboat, World's Tallest Geyser, Erupts Unexpectedly in Yellowstone

On Saturday, May 5, 2018, the Steamboat Geyser erupted the fifth time in seven weeks, the previous four times being  March 15, April 19, April 27 and May 4. All five eruptions were smaller than the last major eruption that occurred on Sept. 3, 2014. 

Steamboat Geyser’s Last Major Eruption was in 2014

On Wednesday, Sept 3, 2014, Steamboat Geyser in Yellowstone’s Norris Back Basin erupted unexpectedly Wednesday evening. Rosa Prasser, a Yellowstone ranger, witnessed the eruption at 11:00 pm.

The last time prior to 2014 that Steamboat had a major eruption was in July 2013. From 1911 to 1961, Steamboat had gone 50 years without a major eruption. In 1964, it erupted a record 29 times.

Steamboat Geyser is the world’s tallest geyser and can shoot hot water up to 380 feet in the air. This phase of the eruption can last from a few minutes, up to 40 minutes. On Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2014, it lasted for several minutes. After the eruption, the geyser will shoot steam for 1-2 days.

What’s it like to witness an eruption of the world’s largest active geyser? Watch the video below to hear three employees share their story from the night of September 3, 2014.

The Weather Channel reported on the previous 2013 eruption with this YouTube Video.

Related: Extreme Geysers in Norris’ Back Basin | Geothermal Features Constantly Changing in Yellowstone