Some features become murky, others, like Echinus Geyser, are less predictable. Geologists and water chemists have studied these disturbances, and there are several theories about why they occur. Some say the disturbances are a massive fluctuation in the underground reservoirs that provide water to the basin. We do know that Norris has several water systems that supply water to various parts of the area, some call them stacked water systems. Some theorize that because the disturbance usually occurs in the fall there is less surface water mixing with water from deep underground.
Exciting things happen during disturbances though.
A. Don't hold your breath. Steamboat Geyser erupts without much warning and with no pattern that we've figured out. The last eruption was in May 2000. Prior to that it had not erupted since October 1991. When active, it can erupt as frequently as every four days, but it has been known to skip 50 years.