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Geothermal Heat Melting Road Surface Of Firehole Lake Drive In Yellowstone National Park

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Published Date

July 10, 2014
Alternate Text
Firehole Lake Drive has been temporarily closed due to road surface damage caused by underground heat/NPS

Yellowstone National Park's underground "furnace" is causing problems for Firehole Lake Drive, where the heat from below is melting the asphalt.

The 3.3-mile-long loop drive, which leads past Great Fountain Geyser, White Dome Geyser, and Firehole Lake has been temporarily closed as a result of the damage while park crews assess what repairs are needed.

"Extreme heat from surrounding thermal areas has caused thick oil to bubble to the surface, damaging the blacktop and creating unsafe driving conditions on the popular, scenic road, located off the Grand Loop Road halfway between Old Faithful and Madison Junction in the park'™s Lower Geyser Basin," a park release issued Thursday read. "The road will remain closed for the next several days while maintenance crews make repairs. The date for reopening the road is uncertain at this time, and will be determined after crews assess the effectiveness of their efforts.

Updated Yellowstone road information is available 24 hours a day by calling 307-344-2117 or by visiting this website.

Alternate Text
Geothermal heat has caused melting of the asphalt surface of Firehole Lake Drive/NPS

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Comments

Submitted by ecbuck on July 11, 2014 - 10:06am.

but do so with some restraint

Yes, but only for the purpose of improving our ride, not for the fairy tale belief that we are making a perpetual difference. 


Submitted by Rick B. on July 11, 2014 - 11:44am.

I agree, Mr. Mackie. My problem is with those who feel that since the end of the universe is inevitable that they don't have to worry about picking up their cigarette butts or what their carbon footprint is along the way. Being a good neighbor and traveling companion in this fatalistic handbasket to hell some are describing is simply good manners.


Submitted by Zebulon on July 11, 2014 - 12:05pm.

Isn't Yellowstone supposed to explode every 400,000 years or so?  Hopefully the next one won't happen while we're here.


Submitted by Gary Wilson on July 11, 2014 - 8:43pm.

Wow, someone is putting words in my mouth.  Coorelating removing a road that is being disintegrated in a well known geothermal hot spot to wishing for mankind to be wiped off the planet is a bit of a stretch.  I do have many friends in Idaho, and Montana, and dont want to see them perish in a catastrophic explosion..


Submitted by rmackie on July 11, 2014 - 9:06pm.

Gary, I think you have a valid point on the the Firehole Drive issue. I have also thought how important it was for so many people, beginning with president Lincoln in 1864, to be looking ahead on the positive things that can be done not only for the environment but on so many other issues as well. We cannot change whatever natural processes might occur, but we can make a huge difference in our daily lives on those issues that we have some control over.  Thank you for your efforts on behalf of the parks. 


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