[Geysers] Steam Phases

[jacross]

If one were to arrange the geysers of Yellowstone in order, starting with the 
loudest steam phases, what would the list look like?

I feel that there are three levels of steam phase: 1) the rumble (Castle); 2) 
the roar (Mortar); 3) the blast (Steamboat, and sometimes Beehive).  The blast 
is characterized by crackling and popping sounds in addition to the other 
racket.  To qualify as a blast, the observer should feel that the geyser is 
going to rupture its plumbing.

There are a couple of steam phases that I have not had the chance to hear.  
Union, by all accounts, was louder than Beehive, Castle or Lone Star.  Ledge 
and Dark Cavern both had loud steam phases, but I am not sure where they 
should go on the list.  Likewise, Splendid occasionally has steam phase 
eruptions, but I have never seen one myself.

Here is my list, loudest geysers first:

Steamboat
Union?
Giantess
Beehive
Ledge?
Dark Cavern?
Lone Star
Porkchop (pre-explosion)
Mortar
Castle
Vent
Avalanche
Lion (Shoshone, 2003)
Atomizer

Jeff Cross
jacross at lamar.colostate.edu