Winter isn't the most popular time to visit Yellowstone National Park located in Teton County, Wyoming. However, during these cold months, it looks and sounds absolutely magical! Yellowstone Lake is the largest natural water reservoir in Yellowstone National Park. It occupies 136 sq mi or 352 sq km. The area around the lake gets especially quiet when covered with a thick layer of snow. So the only things you can hear are mystical sounds that come out of nowhere and are reminiscent of eerie chanting. The Singing Lake phenomenon is one of the great reasons to visit the park from December to February during this region's coldest time of the year.
The wintertime song of this frozen lake is a phenomenon that has yet to be explained by scientists. According to one hypothesis, it is caused when ice moves due to changing temperatures. Ice on the lake can be just a few cm to 0.5 m (from several inches to 2 ft) thick. There are also several thermal zones on the lake that do not freeze. When the ice expands and cracks, it makes groans that sound like singing.
It's hard to understand what's going on under the ice cover, so there is no definite answer to the strange singing sounds. When you see the winter wonderland of Yellowstone in front of you, it's easy to come up with some magical explanation.
Practical info
When can visitors hear the Singing Lake phenomenon?
The Singing Lake phenomenon can be heard from December to February when Yellowstone Lake is covered in thick snow, creating a peaceful and quiet environment. The mystical sound is created by ice movement, cracks, and groans, and is truly astounding to experience. The Singing Lake is a unique experience and a popular winter attraction for visitors. Show more
What is the geographical location of Yellowstone Lake?
Yellowstone Lake is the largest natural water reservoir in Yellowstone National Park. It is situated in Teton County, Wyoming and situated at an elevation range of 7,732 ft to 7,788 ft. The lake covers an area of 136 sq mi or 352 sq km and gets its water from the Yellowstone River. Due to the several thermal zones within the lake, there is always something to see and discover for visitors. Show more
How big is the Yellowstone Lake reservoir?
Yellowstone Lake is the largest natural water reservoir in the national park, covering an area of 136 sq mi or 352 sq km. The lake's maximum depth is measured at 390 ft or about 120 meters. The lake's Singing Lake phenomenon, where the ice moves and groans, is a fantastic winter attraction for visitors, and the eerie sounds are mesmerizing to experience. Show more
What is the theory behind the Singing Lake phenomenon?
The Singing Lake phenomenon is a mystery that scientists have not yet completely understood. The sounds could be due to the movement and cracking of ice, which causes groaning and singing noises that can travel up to 2 miles. The Singing Lake is a unique experience and draws in many visitors to Yellowstone National Park in winter to witness the hauntingly beautiful sounds of the lake. Show more
Does Yellowstone Lake have specific thermal zones that remain unfrozen in the winter?
Yellowstone Lake has several thermal zones that don't freeze, even during winter. Warmer water flows from hydrothermal vents to the lake floor, creating specific zones where the water temperature remains stable above freezing. The hydrothermal vents are also the cause of the Singing Lake phenomenon, which makes haunting sounds when the ice moves and groans. The Singing Lake phenomenon is a unique attraction and draws many curious visitors in winter. Show more
