Water Temperature Data for Gray Lakes Tributary, Yellowstone National Park
The Gray Lakes Tributary drains thermal features in the southwest part of the Back Basin such as Green Dragon. It does not include waters coming from Steamboat and Echinus Geysers.
Temperatures taken here reflect both meteorological conditions (solar radiation and air temperature) and the amount of flow from nearby thermal features. Rapid temperature increases can reflect geyser eruptions or other changes in water discharge. Rapid temperature drops may be caused by precipitation. Comparison of the different channel temperatures (as well as the air-temperature control station) can reveal specific parts of the basin affected by increased hydrothermal discharge.