Ancient Lake Resurfaces in Death Valley

A long-lost lake in California’s Death Valley National Park has reappeared, thanks to an unusual amount of rainfall. This phenomenon is quite rare, considering the lake had been dry for thousands of years.

Badwater Basin, which is the lowest point in North America at 82 feet below sea level, has transformed into a shallow lake following recent storms, the National Park Service reported.

Once known as “Lake Manly,” this basin was part of a massive Ice Age lake that stretched 160 miles and reached depths of 600 feet more than 100,000 years ago. However, many lakes are drying up now due to climate change.

After months of heavy rainfall, the ancient lake bed has filled with water once more. From September to December, Death Valley received a notable 2.41 inches of rain, including a record-setting 1.76 inches just in November.

The National Park Service mentioned, “This fall storm brought more rain than Death Valley typically receives in a year.” It’s interesting how much nature can surprise us sometimes.

The lake experienced a brief renaissance in 2023 after Hurricane Hillary released 2.2 inches of rain, and in February 2024, additional floods made it deep enough for kayaking. The current lake, though, is notably smaller and shallower than it was then.

Interestingly, business at local inns has surged by 20% to 30% since the lake’s return, even if it looks more like a huge riverbed without much current. One employee described it as “probably a wading pool,” which adds a bit of humor to the situation.