Hot potting is a term rarely heard. It simply means to take a dip or swim in a natural hot spring. However Yellowstone National Park, the home of Old Faithful, is renowned for this adventure. Be advised, though, that hot potting is generally illegal. The reason is to maintain the safety of park visitors. Only in certain well-defined locations can the weary traveler or hiker spend a few relaxing moments warming their tired feet and muscles.
Many naturally occurring springs are deceiving. The clear water appears inviting, but danger lurks within. High temperatures often approaching boiling are known to exist. While warm to the touch on the surface, thermal gradients are high with deadly high temperatures just beneath the surface. Such pools are also home to bacteria and microorganisms that can cause amoebic meningitis. Pools can be highly acidic and emit strong sulfur smells.
People have died in these pools. In 1975 a park employee decided to take a dip. Two days later his boiled body was discovered in a spring with a temperature of 179 degrees. Later in 1981 two friends traveling from California with their dog decided to stop near Fountain Paint Pot. With their truck door left open, the dog bounded for Celestine Pool and was immediately stricken. The distraught owner heeding no warnings jumped in after it. He was immediately blinded and succumbed just hours later to third degree burns over 100 percent of his body from the 202-degree temperature.
Hot potting is legal where a hot spring runs into a cool spring. One such location is near the park’s north entrance where the aptly named Boiling River flows into Gardner River. Swimming is only allowed during daylight hours. It also only opens in summer after springtime’s high waters recede.
Comments (0):