YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK — On Monday, Dec. 2, the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory (YVO) released the November 2024 update on eruptions, ground deformation and seismicity for Yellowstone National Park (YNP).
According to the update, Steamboat Geyser erupted on Nov. 23, the sixth major eruption of the year. YVO suggests the next major eruption is at least many weeks, and perhaps months, away.
YVO is also still collecting data from the Black Diamond Pool area of Biscuit Basin, where a hydrothermal explosion took place on July 23. Data apparently indicates only occasional minor explosions and surges of water from the pool since then, one of which reached about six meters (20 feet) in height on Nov. 5 and was witnessed by scientists who were maintaining monitoring equipment.
Data from continuous GPS stations in the Yellowstone Caldera and near Norris Geyser Basin also shows a small amount of subsidence, or sinking of the ground, since October.
During November 2024, the University of Utah Seismograph Stations, who operate and analyze the Yellowstone Seismic Network, notably located 88 earthquakes in the YNP region. YVO reports that the largest event of the month was a micro earthquake of magnitude 2.4, located about 16 miles southwest of West Thumb in the Park on Nov. 7 at 9:16 a.m.
There was also one small swarm of 13 earthquakes about 11 miles north-northeast of West Yellowstone, Montana, on November 26 to 28. The largest earthquake in this sequence was a magnitude 1.6 on Nov. 26 at 9:54 a.m.
“Earthquake sequences like these are common and account for roughly 50% of the total seismicity in the Yellowstone region,” YVO writes. “Yellowstone earthquake activity is currently at background levels.”
For those visiting YNP this winter, be aware that many roads are closed for the season.
