The world’s tallest active geyser has erupted in Yellowstone National Park for the first time in eight years, sending a steam-powered jet of excitement through geyser gazers who consider it one of the most special eruptions to behold.
The water from Steamboat can reach as high as 300 feet, with steam from that spray reaching even higher. By comparison, the Statue of Liberty measures 305 feet from the torch to the ground below its pedestal.
It’s more common for Steamboat Geyser to erupt in bursts of 10-40 feet, though. Its eruptions can last several minutes.
According to GeyserTimes.org, Steamboat’s last eruption came in May 2005.
Janet White, founder of GeyserWatch.com, said she was “hoping against hope” that Steamboat’s current active phase would continue long enough for her to make the trip from her home in Colorado to Yellowstone, so that she could witness it in person.
Cindy Bredeson witnessed the eruption and captured some of it on video: