Steam rises from geysers near the base of a far hill across the valley near Beowawe, in an area the U.S. Geological Survey designated a Known Geothermal Resource Area south of Beowawe. About 15 miles south of Battle Mountain, two uncontrolled wells discharge steam continuously to a height of approximately 100 feet. The Beowawe area has recorded well temperatures of more than 400 degrees Fahrenheit, second only in Nevada to the Brady-Hazen Known Geothermal Resource Area near Fernley. Fourteen wells on private lands were drilled in an attempt to harness these energy sources, but only two show visible evidence of geothermal potential, and their steam can be seen from Interstate 80 north of Beowawe. To encourage development, the Bureau of Land Management began leasing public lands for geothermal development, and a competitive lease sale in December 1974 for the Beowawe Known Geothermal Resource Area brought nearly $1.5 million in bids. Continuing exploratory activity indicates increasing interest in turning wasted energy into useful kilowatts.