Category: Videos

Posted on

2000 Great Fountain, Backcountry Geyser

On 2000 June 30, the NPS closed the Firehole Lake Drive because a large hole had developed on one of those wooden culverts south of Firehole Lake. That was a Friday, and with the upcoming holiday weekend, it meant that the road crews wouldn't be available to fix the problem until at least Jul 05.

I heard about the problem late that day, from some geyser gazers who were incensed that they wouldn't be able to get to Great Fountain for days. That night I realized that the situation was exactly opposite. The Firehole Lake Drive was now a backcountry area with a paved bike path through it. At dawn, well before it was time to head back out to Grand, I loaded up my bike and drove to the junction with the Loop road, and parked at the closed gate. No other vehicle was there.

It turned out it wasn't even close to time for an eruption of Great Fountain, but I had the area to myself. My next visit was on Jul 02. By then, a few people had figured the situation out, but as this video shows, it wasn't many.

Great Fountain, Backcountry Geyser, 2000 Jul 02. Video by Paul Strasser

I made one more visit on Jul 04, and the road was repaired and reopened the next day.

Posted on

Giant Hot Periods 1988

In October 1987, the first Giant hot periods since 1955 were observed. They started about six weeks after the 1987 Sep 12 eruption. More hot periods were observed in the spring, with the next eruption of Giant on 1988 Jun 28.

More hot periods were observed in late July, just as the fire activity in the park started to pick up. By late August 1988, Giant was having hot periods almost daily. All of us had no idea what to look for or what was the progression of events leading up to an eruption. Notice the confusion over which vents are which, and what they should be called. Also notice also how excited we could get over what we now know are pretty minor hot periods.

Giant Hot Period on 1988 Aug 29. Video by Paul Strasser.
Giant Hot Period on 1988 Sep 02. Video by Paul Strasser
Giant Hot Period on 1988 Sep 04. Video by Paul Strasser

As it turned out, there wasn't much chance of observing Giant due to the fire activity, and the evacuation of the Old Faithful area. Giant did erupt just a week after the last hot period on this video, on 1988 Sep 12.

Posted on

1983-1986 New Crater/Steamboat Geyser Minor Activity

Minor Activity of New Crater/Steamboat Geyser in 1983 -- 1986. Video by Paul Strasser

The New Crater Geyser also has a second official name: "Steamboat Geyser". I prefer the first name officially given to it in 1930. It's so much more descriptive and bureaucratic.

Update: 2018 May 30 Added a 1984 superburst, and appearance two days after the 1983 May 24 eruption.

Posted on

Giant Hot Period 2001 Sep 02

Giant Hot Period on 2001 Sep 02. Video by Paul Strasser.

Loading video...