Temperatures in the hot springs can reach boiling point Yellowstone National Park is one of the most breathtaking areas of natural beauty in the world. The area is perhaps best known for its hot springs and geysers, but whilst spectacular, they can also prove to be very dangerous. Yellowstone sits above one of the largest magma chambers on the planet, causing extremely hot water to make its way to the surface in pools.
The geothermal springs, pools and geysers average around 93°C (199°F) at the surface and only get hotter further down. The heat of these springs makes them extremely dangerous and they should never be swam in. Sadly, one man died in June 2016 after falling into one of these pools, demonstrating just how careful people should be around them.
Details have his death were later released by park officials. Colin Scott, 23, and his sister were reportedly looking for somewhere to ‘hot pot’ – where people take a dip in hot springs. But whilst he was trying to test the temperature of one particular spring near Porkchop Geyser, he slipped and fell in.
His body was found later that day, floating in the water, the Guardian reports. When his body was found, the water temperature had risen to boiling point at around 100C. Portions of Colin Scott’s head, upper torso and hands were visible in the hot spring.
US park ranger Phil Strehle wrote in an incident report: “Due to the report of the individual not previously visible, a lack of movement, suspected extreme tem.