Height 100-380 feet. Originally named by the 1878 Hayden Expedition for its steamboat-like spouting. There have been name changes to Fissure and New Crater geyser, but Steamboat is the preferred name. Steamboat is the world's tallest geyser. Even though it has periods of dormancy, some lasting decades, it is a spectacular geyser when it does erupt.
Eruptions are difficult to predict.
Before an eruption, splashing begins within the cone, building into an eruption which may spout up to 380 feet. However if there is activity it is usually only splashing or minor displays which can reach only up to 10-60 feet high. Because of the large amount of water needed for an eruption, there may be subterranean connections which tap into other thermal springs. Depth 31 feet. In 1966 Cistern Spring transformed from a small, gray pool to a large, colorful pool with terraces.