Mammoth in Yellowstone National Park in Park County, Wyoming — The American West (Mountains)
Steamboat Geyser
Learning to Love the Unpredictable
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 29, 2015
1. Steamboat Geyser Marker
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 Indicators
Though 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.
Erected by National Park Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Natural Features.
Location. 44° 43.406′
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Cistern Spring (within shouting distance of this marker); Echinus (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Echinus (about 700 feet away); Minute Geyser (approx. 0.2 miles away); Emerald Spring (approx. 0.2 miles away); Norris Geyser Basin (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Norris Area (approx. 0.2 miles away); Yellowstone National Park (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Yellowstone National Park.
More about this marker. Photographs of an erupting Steamboat Geyser and a drained Cistern Spring appear on the marker.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 29, 2015
2. Steamboat Geyser Marker
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 29, 2015
3. Steamboat Geyser Marker
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 29, 2015
4. Marker at the Norris Geyser Basin
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 29, 2015
5. Second Steamboat Geyser Marker
World’s Tallest Active Geyser
Unpredictable, Infrequent Major
Eruptions of More Than 300 Feet (91m)
Last Major Eruption: September 3, 2014
Frequent Minor Eruptions
10-40 Feet (3 -12 m)
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 29, 2015
6. Steamboat Geyser
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 29, 2015
7. Cistern Spring
This spring drains after a major eruption of Steamboat Geyser.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 7, 2015, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 322 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on September 7, 2015, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
