A surprising change in one of the driest places on earth has caught the attention of visitors and local residents alike.
After being hit by storms seven months ago, a lake has formed in Death Valley National Park, California, which holds the record for the hottest temperature ever recorded on July 10, 1913, at 134 degrees. This unexpected phenomenon has made headlines across the nation, as it is a rare sight in an area known for its extreme dryness.
The official weather gauge at Furnace Creek has measured a staggering 4.9 inches of rain in the past six months, almost double the usual amount of rainfall for this area. In fact, on August 20, 2023, the park received over a year’s worth of rain in just one day, with 2.2 inches being measured.
This is the result of Hurricane Hilary, the first tropical storm to hit California since 1997. The immense amount of rain has caused Badwater Basin, which is normally a salt flat, to turn into a temporary lake, much to the surprise of park officials.
According to the National Park Service, the lake is 7 miles long, 4 miles wide, and 2 feet deep at its largest point. Although it has since decreased in size and depth, the recent rain showers have allowed it to stay around longer than anticipated. The park is pleased to report that the lake is even making “amazing reflections of the mountains” due to its crystal-clear water. However, they caution that it is too shallow for activities like kayaking.
This natural phenomenon has also brought to light the history of Death Valley and its past as a long-gone inland lake called Lake Manly. This lake existed in two periods, and most recently dried up around 10,000 years ago. The current temporary lake at Badwater Basin is rare, but it is a reminder of the ever-changing landscape of Death Valley.
Despite the park being known for its extreme temperatures, this week’s weather has been much milder, with highs in the 50s and 60s. This is a relief for visitors who are used to scorching temperatures exceeding 120°F during summer, with overnight lows in the 90s°F. The area is so dry that it has experienced years without rain, with the most severe stretch being only 0.64 inches over a period of 40 months from 1931 to 1934. This makes the recent rainfall even more unusual.
The park is still recovering from the damage done by Hurricane Hilary, but park officials say that most roads have now been re-opened. The storm caused about 26 million people across four states (Arizona, California, Nevada, and Utah) to be placed under flood warnings, and it is a testament to the resilience of Death Valley that it is bouncing back so quickly.
The unexpected lake has also sparked interest among tourists, and the park is experiencing an increase in visitors who want to witness this rare event. According to park ranger Abby Wines, “most of us thought the lake would be gone by October. We were shocked to see it still here after almost six months.” This unexpected phenomenon is proving to be a huge drawcard, and the park is happy to accommodate tourists who want to see it for themselves.
With the recent rain, Death Valley National Park has added another element to its already stunning natural landscape. This temporary lake is a reminder of the ever-changing nature of our planet and the beauty that can be found in unexpected places.
Visitors and residents alike are taking advantage of this rare opportunity, and park officials are predicting that the lake will continue to exist for a little while longer. For those planning a trip to Death Valley, now is the perfect time to witness this breathtaking spectacle.
