Geyser Watch

A place to watch near Doublet Pool on Geyser Hill

Many new thermal features starting to break out looking like this. Not much of anything at all to notice among the thousands of steaming holes in the ground. But as you become more familiar with them, you do start to notice these smaller features.

This triplet sits right there by the Doublet Pool sign on Geyser Hill. I noticed them a few years back – maybe 2007, but they could very likely have been there for longer. If you remember seeing them before, please leave a comment to add your information. This is how they looked in early June 2010, and I didn’t notice any significant change later on in the summer. In June they really sizzled away – water making the surrounding rock (sinter) dark. Later in the summer, though, due to the absence of spring water (or perhaps less energy in this spot?) they weren’t nearly as sizzly.

This is one of the reasons to stay on the boardwalks. The ground might just be a thin covering over a hot spring. Spots like this can start with bison steps. Often they aren’t harmed, but at times, they may burn a hock or if very unlucky, may fall in. Anything falling in or falling through won’t live long.

Since we can safely watch this area from the boardwalk, though, do keep an eye on this triplet by Doublet. It may change soon, or not for decades.

Here’s another spot to watch at West Thumb.