Young individual at Yellowstone National Park sustains severe burn injuries following a sudden collapse into a boiling hot thermal basin
Warning Issued After Teenager Suffers Burns in Yellowstone Thermal Area
Hiking off-trail in thermal areas at Yellowstone National Park can be a dangerous endeavour, as a recent incident involving a teenager highlights. On Monday (July 28), a 17-year-old was burned after stepping off-trail near Lone Star Geyser and breaking through the crust into hot water.
This is the first reported thermal injury at Yellowstone this year, and it serves as a reminder of the potential hazards that lurk beneath the park's thermal features. The ground around these areas may appear solid, but it is fragile and can break easily, exposing boiling water.
The American Chemical Society (ACS) and park authorities strongly advise staying on boardwalks and designated trails to avoid breaking through the crust and risking scalding injuries. The water in hot springs at Yellowstone can cause severe or fatal burns, and it's crucial to heed warnings and stay on the designated paths.
In addition to the risk of thermal burns, hiking off-trail in thermal areas can also expose visitors to toxic gases. Water circulating beneath Yellowstone can be extremely acidic due to the underlying volcano, with substances like hydrogen sulfide turning into sulfuric acid, which is highly corrosive. Some microbes can convert these substances into other chemicals that alter the water's pH, making it even more dangerous.
The incident is now under investigation, and it's a sobering reminder of the risks associated with venturing off designated paths in thermal areas at Yellowstone. The last incident before Monday's was in September 2024, involving a 60-year-old woman who suffered burns after breaking the ground's thin crust. Similar accidents have happened in the past at Yellowstone when visitors ventured away from designated paths.
To stay safe, hikers should always stay on boardwalks or designated trails, never touch thermal features or runoff, and never swim, soak, or bathe in thermal waters. It's also important to keep children close and prevent them from running on boardwalks to avoid falls and injuries. Pets are prohibited in thermal areas and on boardwalks to protect the animals from harm and maintain safety.
In summary, hikers should never leave marked trails in thermal areas at Yellowstone. Observing established trails and boardwalks is essential for personal safety and the protection of Yellowstone’s delicate geothermal features. The potential risks include severe thermal burns, fatal injuries, and exposure to toxic gases, all of which can occur suddenly and with little warning.
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