Posted by Dave on August 25, 1997 at 11:38:41:
Giantess Geyser had its second eruption for the year and
the first since April on Sunday 17/Aug/1997. Then on
Sunday 24/Aug/97 Giantess erupted in the early morning
and Giant erupted in the evening. This was the shortest
Giantess interval since 1983 and one of the few times
(possibly the only time) since the Wasburn expedition
of 1870 that both gesyers were seen on the same day.
Giant and Giantess geysers are two of the largest geysers in
Yellowstone (the world). The Sunday 24 eruption of Giant was
measured at 236 feet (about twice the height of an average Old
Faithful eruption). A Giant eruption lasts about one hour. The
flow of water from the geyser is tremendous. Giantess geyser's
eruptions are variable in strength. In a strong eruption water
can reach 200 feet. About one hour into the eruption the eruption
can change over to a very loud steam phase. This steam
phase has been known to rattle the windows in the Old Faithful Inn
and awaken the sleeping guests. A Giantess eruption continues in
diminishing stages for about 36 hours.
If you have ever wanted to see Beehive Geyser but didn't want to
spend an entire day waiting, this might be the time to do it.
Beehive is being (for it) quite regular and frequent with eruptions
occuring every 12-15 hours. Three hours is not long to wait for
one of the largest and best geyser shows in the park. Ask a ranger when
you get to the park for more information.
Dave
dmonteit@eecs.wsu.edu