NASA's images reveal the expansive growth of Death Valley's 'rare' lake during this winter season.
During this past winter, the typically arid Death Valley, known as the driest place in North America, experienced the extraordinary phenomenon of a lake large enough for kayaking. NASA recently released data shedding light on the extent of this rare occurrence.
Named Lake Manly, the lake emerged late last year in the Bad water Basin area of California's Death Valley, surprising park ranger Abby Wines, who remarked on its rarity in a February press release from the National Park Service. Despite the absence of an outlet to the sea, Death Valley seldom witnesses such events due to its typically low water inflow compared to high evaporation rates.
The unusual lake formation was spurred by heavy rainfall in California, with Death Valley National Park receiving 4.9 inches of rain between late 2023 and early 2024—more than double its annual average. Notable contributors included Hurricane Hilary in August and atmospheric river storms in February.
Data from NASA's U.S.-French Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) satellite, launched in December 2022, revealed that the temporary lake reached depths ranging from about 3 feet to under 1.5 feet over approximately six weeks. Following a series of storms in early February, the lake expanded to approximately 6 miles in length and 3 miles in width. By leveraging SWOT's water level data and U.S. Geological Survey land elevation information for the area, researchers estimated the lake's depth.
Although briefly accessible for kayaking, the lake has since receded, leaving only a few inches of water. Access to Lake Manly is now limited due to rough terrain, with some areas damaged by visitors dragging watercraft. The National Park Service advises against walking in muddy areas to prevent lasting footprints.
Amidst this phenomenon, Death Valley also boasts wildflower blooms, particularly in Panamint Valley and east of Furnace Creek. As visitors explore the park and its temporary lake, they're reminded to tread lightly and respect the delicate ecosystem.
During this past winter, the typically arid Death Valley, known as the driest place in North America, experienced the extraordinary phenomenon of a lake large enough for kayaking. NASA recently released data shedding light on the extent of this rare occurrence.
Named Lake Manly, the lake emerged late last year in the Bad water Basin area of California's Death Valley, surprising park ranger Abby Wines, who remarked on its rarity in a February press release from the National Park Service. Despite the absence of an outlet to the sea, Death Valley seldom witnesses such events due to its typically low water inflow compared to high evaporation rates.
The unusual lake formation was spurred by heavy rainfall in California, with Death Valley National Park receiving 4.9 inches of rain between late 2023 and early 2024—more than double its annual average. Notable contributors included Hurricane Hilary in August and atmospheric river storms in February.
Data from NASA's U.S.-French Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) satellite, launched in December 2022, revealed that the temporary lake reached depths ranging from about 3 feet to under 1.5 feet over approximately six weeks. Following a series of storms in early February, the lake expanded to approximately 6 miles in length and 3 miles in width. By leveraging SWOT's water level data and U.S. Geological Survey land elevation information for the area, researchers estimated the lake's depth.
Although briefly accessible for kayaking, the lake has since receded, leaving only a few inches of water. Access to Lake Manly is now limited due to rough terrain, with some areas damaged by visitors dragging watercraft. The National Park Service advises against walking in muddy areas to prevent lasting footprints.
Amidst this phenomenon, Death Valley also boasts wildflower blooms, particularly in Panamint Valley and east of Furnace Creek. As visitors explore the park and its temporary lake, they're reminded to tread lightly and respect the delicate ecosystem.
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