Type Geyser Frequency Rare Temperature 132 °F (56 °C) | Eruption height 20-70 feet Duration 1 minute Elevation 2,210 m | |
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Location Yellowstone National Park, Teton County, Wyoming, USA Address Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190, USA Similar Yellowstone National Park, Grand Prismatic Spring, Midway Geyser Basin, Excelsior Geyser, Turquoise Pool | ||
Opal pool
Opal Pool is a hot spring in the Midway Geyser Basin of Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. Opal Pool usually has a temperature of approximately 132 °F (56 °C). Though usually active as a hot spring, Opal Pool is considered a fountain-type geyser.
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The first recorded eruption of Opal Pool was in 1947, recurring in 1949, 1952 and 1953, then ceasing. Eruptions resumed in 1979, happening at least once in most following years. Eruption heights are typically under 30 feet (9.1 m) in height, but some eruptions have been seen with heights of 70 feet (21 m) to 80 feet (24 m). Eruptions occur suddenly following visible convection in the pool, but are unpredictable. An eruption consists of one, huge, burst that throws water 20–80 feet high, making Opal Pool the largest active geyser at Midway Geyser Basin. Much smaller splashes seconds apart stretch the total duration to about 1 minute. In 2005 Opal completely drained, but refilled as a vivid green pool in 2008.