| Comments: | South vent commenced its usual play. The North vent pumped water out about 10’. Then a see-saw action commenced with each vent becoming progressively stronger until the North vent began heavy surging upwards. Rocks began to shower almost immediately & I moved the group to a safer spot to view the geyser. The water phase lasted only about 3 min. The steam phase continued for about 13 hours. While the exact moment of activity cessation is difficult to ascertain the geyser was judged to have quit when the steam ceased to be pushed out under strong pressure. The wind was blowing from the SE at the time of the eruption. This caused the water from Steamboat to be blown across the main park road leading into the Norris area from the South. Motorists reported the necessity of using windshield wipers. Interpretation at the time of a major eruption of Steamboat is next to impossible as the noise from the geyser makes it impossible to hear even a loud should next to one’s ear. A printed sheet or card with basic facts about Steamboat should be provided for distribution at the time of a major eruption. WJL |