Its major eruptions can soar to nearly 400 feet. Unfortunately, its major eruptions are rare and erratic. Intervals between majors have ranged from 4 days to 50 years. More common is its minor activity which which consists of splashes or small eruptions every few minutes. This minor play can reach 30 feet or more.
Steamboat is a cone-type geyser erupting from two main vents.
The water phase of a major eruption lasts from 3 to 20 minutes and is followed by an extremely loud steam phase that can continue for another 12 hours. The water phase emits a large amount of water. The aftermath of which can easily be seen around the geyser. All soil in the area has been eroded away by the deluge of the eruption. All that is left is a gully scarred waste land.