Viktor Pyshniuk, a 21-year-old from Lynwood, Washington, has been sentenced to seven days in jail for trespassing at a thermal feature at Steamboat Geyser in Yellowstone National Park . Additionally, he received a two-year ban from YNP and was placed on two years of unsupervised release for a closure violation. Pyshniuk was also ordered to pay a $1,500 fine, a $30 mandatory court processing fee, and a $20 special assessment.
According to court documents, a YNP law enforcement officer was dispatched to the Steamboat Geyser thermal area after a park employee reported seeing a person walking off the boardwalk. The employee provided a photo of Pyshniuk, who was seen within 15-20 feet of the geyser’s steam vent. Pyshniuk admitted to leaving the boardwalk to take photos. The officer explained the dangers of walking in thermal areas, including the risk of falling through the weak ground and exposure to geothermal features.
Magistrate Judge Stephanie A. Hambrick imposed the sentence on June 4, emphasizing the need to deter both Pyshniuk and the public from similar actions. She noted the potential harm to the park if visitors disregarded the rules. Acting United States Attorney Eric Heimann highlighted the danger and environmental impact of trespassing in thermal areas and affirmed that significant penalties, including jail time, would be sought for such violations.
Steamboat Geyser, the world’s tallest active geyser, has unpredictable eruptions that can reach up to 300 feet. The case was investigated by YNP law enforcement officers and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariel Calmes.
For more information, contact the Yellowstone National Park Public Affairs Office at 307-344-2015 or yell_public_affairs@nps.gov. Additional details can be found on the Yellowstone National Park website.
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