Accessibility links
Oregon's 'Old Perpetual' Geyser Isn't — Perpetual, That Is : The Two-Way Old Faithful it wasn't, but for nearly 80 years folks in Lakeview, Ore., have gotten some enjoyment (and some tourist dollars) from Old Perpetual.
The Two-Way

The Two-Way

Must Reads

Oregon's 'Old Perpetual' Geyser Isn't — Perpetual, That Is

It isn't anywhere near as famous as Old Faithful. But for nearly 80 years, folks in Lakeview, Ore., have gotten some enjoyment (and some tourist dollars) from Old Perpetual.

Until lately, that is. As The Oregonian reports, "Old Perpetual has stopped perpetuating."

It seems that the geyser, which was inadvertently created when wells were being drilled back in 1923, petered out last fall. No one's sure why, though many theories exist. Maybe it's the local drought. Maybe it's the diversion of some geothermal energy to a nearby development. Maybe Old Perpetual's just "clogged up."

Any amateur geologists out there with some good theories?

All Things Considered is looking into the case and hopes to have a story this week. While we wait to hear what the show finds out, here's what Old Perpetual used to do: