DEATH VALLEY, CALIFORNIA – An ancient lake has reappeared in Death Valley National Park, one of the driest places in North America.
Lake Manly, which stretched 100 miles long and 600 feet deep over 100,000 years ago, now only forms after unusually heavy rainfall. Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America at 282 feet below sea level, usually remains a dry salt flat.
Following record rainfall of 2.41 inches between September and November, water has begun collecting in Badwater Basin, bringing Lake Manly back to life. November alone saw 1.76 inches of rain, breaking a century-old record of 1.70 inches set in 1923.
While the lake is currently shallow in most areas, historically it has filled deep enough for boating and kayaking. In 2023, Hurricane Hilary added about two feet of water, and in February 2024, the lake rose at least a foot after an unusually wet winter with 51 atmospheric rivers.
Flooding has left debris on several park roads, forcing closures, though most popular sites remain accessible. Visitors are urged to exercise caution while exploring the park due to potential hazards from flood debris or closed routes.
