New cracks form - Grand Teton National Park near Yellowstone

  • Thread starter Astronuc
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Form
In summary: The Yellowstone Volcano Observatory is a consortium of nine state and federal agencies who provide timely monitoring and hazard assessment of volcanic, hydrothermal, and earthquake activity in the Yellowstone Plateau region. The USGS arm of YVO is also responsible for monitoring and reporting on volcanic activity in the intermountain west U.S. states.In summary, the US National Park service has issued a notification that Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point area are currently closed due to an expansion of cracks and fissures in a large rock buttress. It is unknown how long the closure will be in place.
  • #1
Astronuc
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
2023 Award
21,868
6,259
US National Park service issued the following notification:

Hidden Falls Area Emergency Closure
Closure updated July 10, 2018. Temporary closure remains in effect until rescinded. It is unknown how long the closure at Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point areas will be in place.

Closure and Public Use Limit
The following area is temporarily closed to public entry: The area around Hidden Falls, including the viewing area and trails in the immediate vicinity. The Inspiration Point area is also closed. Visitors are able to hike around Jenny Lake, up into Cascade Canyon, and along the cascade below Hidden Falls. The Jenny Lake Shuttle Boat is operational.

Authority
The Superintendent is closing the portion of the park to all public use. This closure is necessary for one or more of the following reasons:
  • Maintenance of public health and safety
Determination
The National Park Service has determined that the closure is necessary due to the recent expansion of cracks and fissures in a large rock buttress above the Hidden Falls viewing area.

Ref: https://www.nps.gov/grte/learn/management/temporary-closures-and-compendium-amendments.htm#onthisPage-5

https://www.nps.gov/grte/learn/management/upload/HiddenFallsClosure_071018_Final.jpg

I understand USGS is monitoring seismometers in the region.
 
  • Like
Likes davenn
Earth sciences news on Phys.org
  • #2
Astronuc said:
Hidden Falls Area Emergency Closure
Closure updated July 10, 2018. Temporary closure remains in effect until rescinded. It is unknown how long the closure at Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point areas will be in place.
I had to do a quick search in google Earth ... looks to be a beautiful wilderness area

sounds like some serious rockfall possibilities :frown:Dave
 
  • #3
It's a beautiful area, which includes the headwaters of the Snake River.
https://www.nps.gov/yell/learn/nature/snake-river.htm

Some historical perspective
http://www.discovergrandteton.org/teton-geology/earthquake-activity/
https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/yellowstone/yellowstone_geo_hist_52.html

https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/yellowstone/monitoring_map.html
https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/yellowstone/status.html

http://quake.utah.edu/
http://quake.utah.edu/earthquake-center/quake-map - current monitoring from western Wyoming,southern Idaho and Utah.
 
  • Like
Likes davenn and BillTre
  • #4
Update (2 years and 9 months later) - low risk of a volcanic eruption in the Yellowstone Caldera.

January 2021 - Yellowstone Volcano Observatory Monthly Update for January 2021


https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/yellowstone-volcano-observatory
The Yellowstone Volcano Observatory (YVO) is a consortium of nine state and federal agencies who provide timely monitoring and hazard assessment of volcanic, hydrothermal, and earthquake activity in the Yellowstone Plateau region. The USGS arm of YVO is also responsible for monitoring and reporting on volcanic activity in the intermountain west U.S. states.
They have a Facebook page with videos of their monthly updates.
March 2021 - https://www. facebook. com/watch/? v=257670319296188
April 2021 - https://www. facebook. com/watch/? v=310701684004676
(It appears that one has to have a FB account to access. Remove the spaces in the urls to access)

Interesting comment about tectonic extension in Idaho and Utah, and probably down into Arizona, and maybe over to Nevada.

The most recent volcanic eruption was a little over 900 years ago at Sunset Crater in the San Francisco volcanic field near Flagstaff, Arizona. It appears more likely that a volcanic eruption will occur in the four-corners area (intersection of Arizona, Utah, Colorado and New Mexico) than in Yellowstone.
https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/san-francisco-volcanic-field/ Threat Potential: Moderate

There seems to be some conflicting information from YVO: Threat Potential: High
https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/yellowstone/
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Likes davenn and DaveE

What caused the new cracks to form near Grand Teton National Park?

The new cracks are most likely caused by geological processes such as tectonic movements or changes in the Earth's crust. These processes can cause stress and pressure on the rocks, leading to cracks and fractures.

Are these cracks a sign of an impending earthquake or volcanic eruption?

While it is always important to monitor any changes in the Earth's surface, these cracks alone are not enough evidence to predict an earthquake or volcanic eruption. It is important to consult with geologists and experts who can analyze the situation and make informed predictions.

Is it safe to visit Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone while these cracks are present?

As of now, there is no immediate danger to visitors in the area. However, it is always important to follow any safety guidelines and warnings issued by park authorities. It is also recommended to stay updated on any changes in the situation.

How common are geological changes like these in national parks?

Geological changes are a natural part of the Earth's processes and can be seen in various forms in national parks. While they may not occur frequently, they are not uncommon and are an important aspect of the park's ecosystem.

What steps are being taken to monitor and study these new cracks?

Geological experts and scientists are continuously monitoring and studying the new cracks to gather more information about their cause and potential impact. They may use various techniques such as satellite imaging, ground surveys, and seismology to gather data and make informed conclusions.

Back
Top