Recent Geyser-Like Eruption and Renewed Hydrothermal Activity in the Steamboat Geothermal Area, Nevada

Abstract

On June 3, 2025, an uncapped, shallow (~15- 20 m), abandoned well in the south Reno, Nevada, unexpectedly erupted, shooting boiling water nearly 30 m high, marking the first geyser-like activity at the site in decades. The eruption occurred on the lower sinter terrace in the Steamboat geothermal area, a site known historically for its dramatic surface expressions. Steamboat Springs was once home to some of the largest geysers in the United States, with abundant hot springs and fumaroles active into the early 1900s. Geysering diminished by the mid-20th century. Renewed changes were first noted in 2022, when steaming ground expanded and water began reappearing along fractures; activity has since steadily increased, culminating in the 2025 eruption. In June, our team began documenting changes in the geothermal area through water sampling and geochemical analysis, thermal drone surveys, temperature logging, and mapping of new and evolving features. This work provides a rare opportunity to observe changes in a geothermal system on a human timescale, with implications for both public safety and for understanding and managing the complex interplay of natural variation, commercial demands, and hydrothermal expressions. This study offers critical insights into the dynamic nature of geothermal systems and the factors that can drive their reawakening.