What are the frequency and duration of the eruption of the "OLD FAITHFUL" geyser in Yellowstone park?

It is a misconception that the Old Faithful geyser erupts every hour. Some even think that it erupts on the hour. The frequency varies between 35 minutes and 120 minutes, and the duration varies between 1.5 minutes and 5 minutes. While it is "faithful" in its eruption several times during a day, it is not entirely predictable for those who might be standing waiting to view this unique act of nature.

Some other important facts about this phenomenon are that the height of the water can reach 90 to 184 feet. Also, there may be some pre-eruption "bubbling" that indicates the geyser is getting ready and the eruption then is usually within 20 minutes. The amount of water involved varies between 3,700 US gallons (14 m3) to 8,400 US gallons (32 m3). Old Faithful is not the tallest or largest geyser in the park; Steamboat Geyser is larger but is less predictable.

If you have a chance to view this wonderful scene, don't let a few minutes wait deter you. It is well worth your time!

More Info: yellowstone.net

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21 Comments

Karen Mack

It did, in fact, erupt every hour (not quite on the hour) years ago. That is how it got the name, Old Faithful. However, an earthquake affected it and changed it's pattern.

Kay Agnew

We went to Yellowstone when I was a kid, the car broke down near the visitor center for Old Faithful, and while my dad fixed it, we got to see the eruption 3 or 4 times!

kpkennedy

Jaminator, uh that would be Yellowstone, not Jellystone ( unless you are Yogi Bear)

Char

I love Yellowstone park its amazing

Char

Judith Elaine Admire, are you talking about the shut down of the country and how are parks were done. Or the WH trying to open it up for hunting?

Warren Domke

I have actually visited it twice and seen eruptions both time. The first, when I was about 12 years old, was the better of the two. The second, some 40 years later, was a bit of a disappointment. But it did erupt.

Mic Fenst

Karen Mack, Yes, the Challis, ID earthquake changed its pattern.

Lupe Hernandez

It may have been a good idea to add the location of Yellowstone National Park for those not familiar with the park. It covers part of Wyoming, Montana and Idaho,in the U.S.A. Old Faithful is in the state of Wyoming.

Diane Herbert Wall

I was there in 1991 and it was close to an hour between eruptions--but maybe we just got lucky that day.

jack patti go

We need to go see this!

Shirley Dutt

Katrina May Brown, you should see them from the west side in Idaho. Just a gorgeous. And to the west of Drigg, Idaho is the Snake River plains.

Shirley Dutt

Terri, it has nothing to do with anything that is an outside source. All it's workings have to do with lava flow and pressure. It is in a huge caldera. Most of the park is one huge volcano.