"Intermittent Spring, also called Periodic Spring, is located in Swift Creek canyon in Star Valley, near Afton, Wyoming. It is the largest rhythmic spring in the world. The great great grandfather of Rulon Gardner is credited with the discovery. Gardner says, "He was up there logging. He went up and found a nice little place to get some fresh water. It was intermittent. It went, and stopped. So it was pretty amazing"

"The theory is that as groundwater flows continuously into a cavern, it fills a narrow tube that leads out. As it pours over the high point of the tube, it creates a siphon effect, sucking water out of the chamber. Eventually air rushes in and breaks the siphon. Kip Solomon, a hydrologist at the University of Utah, said, "We can't think of another explanation at the moment".

"When the University of Utah conducted and finished their studies, Solomon concluded that "The spring water's gas content has now been tested at the University of Utah. The data strongly suggests the water was exposed to air underground; strong support for the siphon theory."  (Wikipedia)

"Just east of Afton town, at the foot of a rocky mountain in Wyoming, lies one of the world’s most mysterious natural wonders – a rhythmic spring that intermittently stops and starts flowing around every 15 minutes," the Oddity Central says.

"Only a few rhythmic springs exist in the world, and Intermittent Spring in Wyoming’s Swift Creek canyon is the largest of them all. As its name suggests, this peculiar spring flows intermittently. You will see a large quantity of water using out of a hole in the mountain and then flowing down forming a large creek for about 15 minutes, and then dry up for another 15 before the cycle starts all over again. The reasons for this intermittent flow are not entirely understood, but scientists have a pretty sound theory.

"It is believed that rhythmic springs depend on the siphon effect to flow and stop at certain time intervals. Basically, water runs continuously into an underground cavern but must pass through a narrow tube with a high point located above the spring’s surface exit. When the water level reaches that high point, it creates a siphon effect, sucking water out of the cavern and allowing the spring to flow. However, the water level eventually drops to the point where air rushes into the exit tube, cutting off the flow until the water level rises in the cavern again."

"A rhythmic spring (also: ebb and flow spring, periodic spring, intermittent spring) is a cold water spring from which the flow of water either varies or starts and stops entirely, over a fairly regular time-scale of minutes or hours. Compared to continuously-flowing springs, rhythmic springs are uncommon, with the number worldwide estimated in 1991 to be around one hundred



"Although the cause of the periodicity in flow is not known for certain, the most accepted theory (first postulated in the early 18th century) is that as groundwater flows continuously into a cavern, it fills a narrow tube that leads upwards from near the base of the cavern, then downwards to the spring. As the water level reaches the high point of the tube, it creates a siphon effect, sucking water out of the chamber. Eventually air rushes into the tube and breaks the siphon, stopping the flow if there is no other source feeding the spring, or reducing the flow if there is a continuous flow from another non-siphon source.

"The Intermittent Spring in Wyoming, mentioned above, is the largest rhythmic spring in the world." (Wikipedia)

"Rhythmic springs are those springs that exhibit tidal characteristics. In other words, the water level of these springs rises and falls over a fairly regular time period. Sometimes the spring would stop flowing completely and start again after a couple of hours or minutes. The cause of this periodicity is not truly understood but there is a fairly sound theory," the Amusing Planet says.

"The largest rhythmic spring in the world is the Intermittent Spring, also called Periodic Spring, located in Swift Creek canyon near Afton, Wyoming, the United States.

"Another rhythmic spring, the Ebbing and Flowing Spring, is located in Hawkins County, Tennessee, near Rogersville. This spring has a period of 2 hours and 47 minutes. The spring's flow ranges from an indiscernible trickle to nearly 2,000 liters per minute."

"Located in Swift Creek Canyon near Afton, Wyoming, this rhythmic spring is one of only three features in the entire world that has this type of behavior. It is the largest of it's kind and is know as 'The Spring That Breathes'," the My Country 95.5 days.

"The 'Intermittent Spring' (also know as the 'Periodic Spring') is not your average mountain spring. Water will flow for 10-18 minutes at a time, then will completely stop for many minutes before continuing to flow again.

"Researchers believe this fluctuating flow pattern is due to the 'siphon effect'. Meaning, spring water will flow into , and fill up, a cavity underground. When the water reaches the top of the cavity, the water rushes out creating a siphon effect - taking all of the water out of the cavity space. The water flow will then stop until the cavity fills up again and the whole process starts over."

"Nature is full of many things that the human mind can’t decode. One such thing is a natural spring at the foot of a rocky mountain in the United States of America. ‘The Spring That Breathes’ is situated on a mountain in Wyoming," the News 18 says.

"The magical thing about this water body is that it intermittently stops and restarts flowing after an approximate gap of 15 minutes. As expected such springs are very rare in the world and the one in Wyoming’s Swift Creek canyon is the largest.

"When the spring is flowing one can witness a huge gush of water passing down through the mountain. This water flow suddenly increases as it seems to form a large creek for nearly 15 minutes. The subsequent 15 minutes are dry and then the cycle repeats itself. The exact reason for such a cycle is not known but if the experts are to be believed then this happens because the water body is dependent on the siphon effect to flow."

"There is something so intriguing about nature when it combines both the elements of beauty and mystery. This natural spring is one of Wyoming’s most fascinating natural features outside of Yellowstone. In fact, this rhythmic spring in Wyoming is the largest in the world," the Only In Your State says.

"This on and off flow occurs from late summer through the winter months. The water gushes out of the ledge and cascades downhill to Swift Creek. All of a sudden the flow stops and then starts up again after 12 to 18 minutes and then the cycle starts all over again.

"The interruption of the flow of water is caused by the siphon effect where the water flows into a cavern underground, up into a narrow tube like formation and then down into the spring. As the water reaches the highest point of the tube, it sucks the water out of the chamber. Air then enters the tube and either reduces or stops the flow of water."

"The Swift Creek Trail ventures high along the north slope of the Creek from the Periodic Springs parking area. Look for hitching rail just past the vault toilet," the US Forest Service says.

"The Springs trail, following the bottom, offers visitors an easy 3/4 mile hike to view Periodic Springs, North America's only cold water geyser and the largest of the three known fluctuation springs in the world.

"From the Town of Afton, Wyoming, head north on United States Highway 89 (US-89) then make a right turn onto East 2nd Avenue and follow it for approximately one mile into the Bridger-Teton National Forest. Once on the forest the road name changes to Swift Creek/Forest Service Road 10211 (FS-10211). Follow FS-10211 for approximately 5 miles to the end of the road to access Swift Creek/Periodic Spring Trailhead. Approximate travel details from the Town of Afton: 5 miles, 15 minutes."

"Located at the foot of a mountain just outside of Afton, Wyoming, Intermittent Spring (otherwise known as the Periodic Spring), is one of only three springs of its kind in the world that start and stop every few minutes for a reason science can only speculate on," the Only In Your State says.



"The Afton spring was discovered randomly by a logger who happened upon the strange stream in the course of his work, and has been a natural attraction ever since. The water at the spring site is said to flow for 18 minutes straight, before stopping for another 18 minutes. There may be some variation in these times.

"The Intermittent Spring is most active in late summer, so if you are looking for an interval during which to visit the spring, that would the one."

"Known as “The Spring that Breathes,” the Intermittent Spring is a radiant and unique natural spring just outside of Afton. The Intermittent Spring is classified as a rhythmic spring, a rare type of spring – only around 100 exist in the world! Here is everything you need to know about one of the most interesting and unique natural landmarks in the world," the Visit Afton WY says.

"Like the Old Faithful geyser in Yellowstone, the flow cycles of rhythmic springs go on and off at regular intervals. Unlike Old Faithful, which spews hot water, rhythmic springs produce cold, fresh water. From late August to May, water flows from the Intermittent Spring for approximately 18 minutes, then subsides for about 15 minutes.

"Those wanting to see the Intermittent Spring for themselves can embark on an easy, one-mile hike to see it. Along the way, you’ll encounter towering pine trees, delicate wildflowers and sweeping vistas. There are also picnic tables on the trail, so pack your lunch and eat surrounded by nature. Don’t forget your camera!"

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