The stark, dry expanse of Death Valley National Park in California, typically recognized as one of North America’s hottest and driest locales, has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent months, reemerging a rare phenomenon—the shallow yet enchanting Lake Manly. Reappearing after nearly two decades, Lake Manly owes its existence to a combination of extraordinary weather events, including the deluge brought by Hurricane Hilary and an unusually wet winter.
On August 20, 2023, Hurricane Hilary unleashed an unprecedented amount of rainfall, dropping more than two inches in one day—equivalent to what the area generally sees in a year. The remnants of this hurricane prompted the issuance of the first tropical storm watch in California's history. As Abby Wines, a park ranger at Death Valley National Park, explains, this heavy storm caused massive flooding, particularly in Badwater Basin, which sits 282 feet below sea level, making it the lowest point in North America. Typically, this site is a vast salt flat, but post-hurricane, it transformed into a substantial body of water.
"The rain was so heavy it caused the closure of Death Valley National Park from August 20 to October 15, marking the longest closure in the park's history," Wines noted. As a result of this unprecedented influx of water, Lake Manly formed and measured about six miles long and three miles wide, although its depth varied significantly. Early reports in November indicated the lake was just a few inches deep, but subsequent winter storms—comprising 51 atmospheric rivers—continued replenishing the lake. By February 2024, reports confirmed the lake's depth at around a foot, enticing visitors to kayak in this extraordinary temporary landscape.
Less than an hour after the initial rains fell, the lake's formation brought a sense of awe for visitors. Many who braved the journey to see the whopping transformation were struck by the surreal sight: shimmering water mirroring the surrounding mountainous landscape, an image that starkly contrasts with the normal desolate desert. One visitor, Tiffany Lin, described it as an "otherworldly" experience, characterized by the “vibrant reflection” of the mountains in the clear water during peak calmness.
As exciting as it has been for tourists flocking to paddleboard and kayak in what is usually the arid landscape of Death Valley, the longevity of Lake Manly, and its accessibility to outdoor sports enthusiasts, has remained up in the air due to evaporation rates. Surprisingly, while Death Valley is ravaged by brutal summer temperatures often exceeding 120 degrees, park officials, and even scientists, note that the lake does not simply vanish overnight. "You might think with no drain to the sea, that Death Valley would always have a lake," Wines noted, yet such occurrences remain extremely rare. The water accumulation often falls short compared to the intense evaporation that plagues the area. Historically, lakes like this have dried up swiftly, and park officials expect the current water body could fade within a few months as hot temperatures return.
To avoid overwhelming the fragile landscape, visitors are urged to tread carefully upon the salt flats. Even small footprints can lead to long-lasting damage within this sensitive ecosystem. Park services have emphasized that they are not simply encouraging exploration but are also combating the potential destruction caused by off-trail activity. The park remains open to the public with hotels and campgrounds operating despite last year’s road damage from flash floods, making it easier for visitors to immerse themselves in this unconventional adventure.
Satellite imagery from NASA has also played a crucial role in establishing the extent of Lake Manly. Using the Surface Water and Ocean Topography satellite, which features a range of high-tech monitoring capabilities, scientists have been able to accurately track water levels during the period from early February into March. Initial estimates indicated the lake's surface experienced fluctuations from three feet to a remarkable 1.5 feet deep as weather patterns continued shifting.
Matthew Lamar, fellow park ranger, recounts the significant water levels that inundated Badwater Basin following Hilary, describing a depth that reached about two feet right after the rains flooded the area. He noted that this level was not measured by conventional means, as the region is usually devoid of such an expansive body of water, devoid of any permanent instruments to gauge depth. Rangers and park visitors gauged the lake's level by stepping into the water themselves. Some marveled at the unique juxtaposition of frolicking in a lake while surrounded by one of the most arid places in America.
This correlation between severe weather events and the temporary formation of Lake Manly compels experts and officials to look further into what climate change may portend for the future of Death Valley. As weather patterns become increasingly unpredictable—with wetter winters that break records or summers of exhausting heat—it raises vital questions regarding water conservation in desert conditions. With an average rainfall perpetually at a mere two inches annually, the region's resource management becomes critical. Abundant water influx could sustain remarkably unique moments, but how long these conditions will prevail is a matter of concern and curiosity.
For now, park division officials remain committed to safeguarding both visitors and the delicate ecosystem surrounding Lake Manly. Cautions have been issued regarding boating, which has now ended as the lake continues to shrink. "Lake Manly is shrinking rapidly and might be just a few inches in various places," the park service announced. They added a stark reminder: even as marshlands and waters dry, footprints left in the mud will imprint on the terrain permanently, creating enduring scars on this ancient landscape.
Lake Manly stands as both a fascinating spectacle for nature enthusiasts and a poignant reminder of the ever-changing aspects of our climate and geography. Its fleeting appearance in the heart of one of the world’s famously dry deserts captures the imaginations of adventurers, conservationists, and the curious alike, while serving as a compelling case study for scientists investigating our planet’s dynamic weather patterns and artistry shaped through nature's whims.
As visitors continue to make their way to Death Valley to experience this phenomenon, they are reminded that while these lakes can appear suddenly, they can also vanish just as quickly. The national park encourages responsible enjoyment of the landscape, with a continued hopeful outlook towards more sustainable rainfall systems that may keep Lake Manly alive beyond its expected disappearance.
